Sandra Jean Hill

Born May 23, 1941 in Hattiesburg Ms. Died September 18, 1994.Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1983, mastectomy and radiation therapy done. Was in Nursing School at the time. Dropped out due to illness, later returned to health care as a Respiratory Therapist. Worked in Jackson Ms, Hattiesburg and Gulfport, Ms. She was Cancer free for 5 years until 1989 when she developed respiratory problems and was diagnosed with metastasis of Ca to the lung, liver and bone. Met her partner Pat, 5 months before the diagnosis. She was treated by Dr. Jane Gurtler in New Orleans and at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Washington, D.C. over the next five years, participating in two experimental programs to defeat breast cancer. She continued to work at Memorial Hospital, Gulfport as Assistant Director of Respiratory Therapy and cared for her elderly mother, who died in July 1994, until the time of her death five years later in September of 1994.She loved to drive her convertible even, in the winter, with the top down and was known for her love of dancing and sharp wit.