After 12 years of being cancer-free, Tina’s breast cancer came back in the most aggressive form: Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). She faced it with strength, grace, and hope as she returned to Chicago for treatment at Northwestern, determined to fight with everything she had.

Sadly, Tina lost her battle with TNBC. We are heartbroken, but also motivated to take action in her name. This fundraiser is in honor of Tina — to raise awareness, support others facing TNBC, and advocate for better screening and diagnostic tools like MRIs and tumor marker blood tests. Tina often said, “This is preventable,” and we believe that with more awareness and resources, it can be.

One of our favorite photos of Tina is the one above, of her mid-jump with the sun setting behind her — joyful, free, and full of light. That’s how we remember her.

To learn more about Tina's story please visit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fSvEwFGhMntwcZz_wui1plscWuxxTA-l3mr66jl3P3U/edit?usp=share_link

Why support TNBC Foundation?

Only a small portion of donations to other breast cancer charities are used to fund research for triple negative breast cancer. Treatment of this form of breast cancer has therefore not progressed far enough and funds are desperately needed to bring us closer to finding a cure. Together we can make a difference!

Cara's Story

When I am going through a rough patch, I try to take a step back and ask myself, “what lesson should I be learning from this?” and “what are the silver linings I can take from this?”.

This is what I asked myself in the days and weeks after my dear friend, Tina, passed away. Let’s go back a few years – Glenbard North High School in the 1980s. I was in Honors Lit and French with Tina. She looked perfect from the outside. I was envious because she was everything I wasn’t – tall, blond, gorgeous, a cheerleader with a cute boyfriend (yes, I’m talking about Steve), and popular. In class, I got to know Tina and discovered the layers to her. Though she was perfect on the outside, she was even better once you got to know her. She was funny, witty, kind, big-hearted, hard-working, and so mature. And always fun.

One of my favorite qualities about Tina was her willingness to go along with anything. I’m not proud of it, but I’m fairly certain that I was the reason she first ditched a class in high school. Trips to Stratford Square mall, Houlihan’s, North Avenue Beach, and Northside Park morphed into sorority dances, happy hours, advertising class projects at University of Illinois. Endless laughter and fun in the sorority house. Years passed, and now time was spent with kids and families– on the beach, at the lake, in backyards.

Again, Tina was always up for anything. Whether it was a travelling for a girls’ trip, a hike without a map, or even adopting rescue dogs (twice) together, Tina was open for fun. She would smile and laugh and jump right in. Recently, we spent hours laughing, first in Buckee’s, then perfecting a Tik Tok of a Sam Hunt song. Numerous times that make me smile when I remember her laugh. We’ve been told to “cherish friendships with but a chosen few”, and I was privileged to be one of Tina’s chosen few. The funny thing is, I know there are more than a few that feel the same way. That was her superpower – connecting people together and making them feel safe, loved, appreciated.

That’s the lesson I am striving to learn – be the glue, enjoy every moment, and connect with people. Say yes to spending more time with family and friends. Enjoy your people.

So, what is the silver lining in her diagnosis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer? Making a difference. An impact. Maybe saving a life. Prolonging time with friends and family.

If you followed Tina’s journey after her diagnosis, you know that she faced every turn head-on with physical and emotional strength that impressed me every day. She stayed positive despite the obstacles she faced, which were numerous. She found a way to smile and laugh, despite her pain.

To honor Tina, and in her memory, we have set up a fundraiser to support the TNBC Foundation. If you would like to donate in Tina’s name, please use the link: Because they are a small organization, they have assured us that 100% of donations (minus credit card fees) will go to research and funding treatments, cures, and preventions.

If you aren’t in a position to make a donation, then remember the lesson: be the glue and say yes when there is an opportunity to spend quality time with your people. Smile and laugh more.

If you have a memory to share, please add it to the Just Giving site.

If your employer matches donations, please use this information:

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation

PO Box 204

Norwood, NJ, 07648

TIN 20-5880756

Thank you.

Jane's Story

My Dear Friend Tina,

I wish I could give you one more hug and tell you how much I love, respect and admire you. From the time I met you at 14 years old in high school, you inspired me. Caught off-guard, I quickly saw that you were principled, of exceptionally high moral character, independent, calm, graceful, smart, well-read, silly, fun and funny. You also met your forever partner. All this in a 14 year old girl!

Tina’s character never changed from “high school Tina.” I am honored and blessed to have had a friendship with Tina that spanned high school, college, sorority sisters, post college and our adult lives. At the end of Senior year in high school, Tina was voted (by her peers), “most respected.” There was no better way to describe Tina. She had maturity, smarts, demeanor and kindness, all the while having a fun, up-for-anything personality. I’m still in awe of how Tina conducted herself always, in all aspects of her life. She possessed strength, resilience, and adaptability, but also positivity, kindness and silliness. Never once complaining, she put her self through college and grad school. Her productivity knew now bounds! She read gosh knows how many books, rose to high levels in her career, was a compassionate and caring friend, and together with Steve, raised 2 incredible kids. “Most Respected” was only the beginning of many awards Tina won in her lifetime, you might not know because she never boasted. However, I know for her, her most important “reward” was her family. She was a loving, caring, encouraging and proud mother who lead by example with love and quiet strength. She has left her mark in many of us, but mostly and notably in her prodigious kids.

I miss her terribly; her smile, her laugh, her spirit.

If I can do one thing for Tina, it would be to ask everyone to live more like she lived. Enjoy life’s moments, embrace life, be positive and kind. If everyone who knew Tina did that, our world would be a much better place. Please let goodness rule you like Tina did. Even though she had her own health to deal with, she still helped others until the very end. Tina would want to continue to help others, this is why we chose TNBC to be her cause. WWTD? She would continue to help.

Helping others was effortless and easy for Tina, and sometimes she was so subtle you didn’t even realize she was helping you.

Beth's Story

"Hummingbirds are often seen as symbols of joy, happiness, and a reminder to find pleasure in the small things in life. They also represent endurance, resilience, and the ability to adapt to change with agility. Hummingbirds can symbolize the sweet nectar of life, encouraging you to savor each moment and embrace the beauty of the present. Some people believe hummingbirds are messengers of good luck or joy, or that they bring good news from deceased loved ones."

I have always found a deep peace and joy at the sight of one of these small amazingly graceful and peaceful creatures. Life is fragile for a hummingbird. Our Tina was a hummingbird.

A fiercely loyal, devoted daughter, sister, friend, colleague, wife, and mother – she wore so many hats and was immensely proud of each one of them.

When I first met Tina in September of 1985 on the front steps at 1106 Lincoln - the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority House at The University of Illinois, I knew we would be friends but what I did not fully know yet was how deep this friendship would be. We valued our education yet thrived on the laughter, fun, and loads of shenanigans that transcended the years of school and beyond when boyfriends became husbands and our children arrived.

Tina, always went out of her way to stay in touch, call, invite, include, and visit no matter how far away or how short the time, the personal touch and connection was important and invaluable to her in every relationship. You were always first. She made us smile and laugh (usually a howl!). She was always up for anything and most definitely involved good or bad singing and dancing! Tina embraced living life to the fullest.

The perfect storm took our hummingbird. Tina did not go without a tremendous fight. The everlasting mark she made in each of our lives will carry us through our days without her.

There will forever be constant reminders for those we have lost. I am honored to have been Tina’s dear friend and will forever cherish all the moments of hysterical laughter and fun we shared. But what I will miss more, is the intelligent thoughtful friend, the one who gave generously with her whole heart and a smile and the one who challenged you to listen, question, and think deeply about other perspectives.

Tina always put others above herself; always reaching out and checking in even through her own last few months, sharing her story and experiences with all on social media and always time for conversations with friends of friends who just received a breast cancer diagnosis too. We will help to carry forward this genuine quality of hers with our work for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation (TNBC) specifically in her honor.

We all have a purpose in life. Please find yours and dive in. Yes, one individual can make a difference and your commitment to your purpose matters. We would be honored if you chose to join us in honoring Tina and supporting TNBC Foundation and the incredible work that they do to bring awareness, research funding and support to patients and their families. Let us help to change the future for our sisters, daughters, mothers, wives, and friends.

Join us in the fight. Spread the word. Not all breast cancers are alike. Please pay attention and monitor your health through routine mammograms and be your own advocate – if something is not or does not feel right – pursue second opinions, further testing, and stay vigilant for yourself, your friends, and your family. Never take your health for granted.

Know that the next hummingbird you see in your garden is Tina. She is checking in, say hello, feel her presence and accept the joy, peace, and comfort she brings.

Rest in Peace Teense. Loyally in Epsilon Pi forever. I love you.

xo Blaze

Kristina's Story

It’s hard to sum up my friendship with Tina because she wasn’t just a friend—she was like a sister. We met in college at 18, joined the same sorority, and clicked instantly. From that point on, we were inseparable—same major, lived together, and totally in sync. People constantly confused us for sisters (even recently), and it felt so true.

Tina was a huge part of every chapter of my life. We both married Steves, were bridesmaids in each other’s weddings (my mom even made her dress), and were side-by-side for so many milestones. I was with her when she went into labor with Claire—right before Thanksgiving. I had to leave before Claire arrived, but I’ll never forget getting the call that Claire was here. During her pregnancy with Charlie, I was pregnant with my son Sam. Our boys were born just two weeks apart. We emailed constantly during those months, and I saved and printed every one—something I’m so grateful for now.

Even though we ended up living in different states, we never drifted apart. She was tightly woven into my family—my entire family loved her. Over the years she and her crew would come down to Champaign when I was back in town with my family, she attended my parents' 70th birthday parties, flew out for my 50th, and even came to my nephew’s wedding… she always made the effort to show up.

Tina impacted my life in countless ways. She was always up for anything, always made the effort, and was always there. She was the one I could trust with everything—a true confidant. We had the kind of friendship where we’d just look at each other and know exactly what the other was thinking. We’d crack up over the smallest things—inside jokes, goofy glances, shared memories. She brought so much light and joy into my life.

And Tina wasn’t just special to me—she was a dear friend to so many. She had this magnetic warmth and openness that made people feel at ease. She made friends easily and valued those connections deeply. Whether you’d known her for years or just met her, Tina had a way of making you feel welcome and special.

Tina was also incredibly smart and successful in her career—but you'd never hear her talk about that. She was so humble. What she did talk about—what she was most proud of—was her kids. She poured her heart into being a mom and guided them with so much love and care. You can see that in the amazing people they are today.

When she was first diagnosed with breast cancer, and again when it returned, Tina handled it with unbelievable strength and grace. And even then, she found ways to support others going through it. She was always willing to talk, to listen, to comfort. That’s just who she was—someone who showed up, even in the hardest moments.

It’s nearly impossible to imagine life without Tina—she’s been woven into every chapter of mine. One of the greatest lessons she left me with is the importance of showing up. She always did. With love, with laughter, with support. She made the effort, no matter what, and reminded me how powerful it is to simply be there for the people you love. I love you girl, I always have and always will.

To honor her and continue her legacy, we’re raising funds for TNBC research. It’s a way to carry forward her kindness, strength, and unwavering compassion—and to keep her light shining in the lives of others.