Georgia Jacobson was no stranger to battling deadly diseases. She lost her husband of 25 years in 1991 before facing her own diagnosis of breast cancer in 2004. Two years later Georgia faced a second diagnosis: leukemia. She demonstrated exceptional courage and determination in all cases.

Midland, Michigan was Georgia's hometown for 41 years and at the time of her death she shared her life with her best friend and partner, Gary Lewis. Both were retired from Dow Corning Company and were active in numerous charitable organizations including the Habitat for Humanity Foundation and Midland Community Cancer Services.

When confronted with breast cancer Georgia quickly became her own patient advocate, conducting extensive research and consulting with various doctors to explore her options. Ultimately, chemotherapy preceded a bi-lateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Georgia, always meticulous about her appearance soon realized with the help of her cousin, Debbie Stafford (a 2½ year breast cancer survivor herself), that hair was definitely over-rated. She embraced her baldness and was instrumental along with her friend and licensed cosmetologist, Karen Sharp, in bringing the "Look Good...Feel Better" volunteer program to Midland.

It was not customary for a cancer patient to assist in conducting the 2½ hour "Look Good...Feel Better" sessions, but then "customary" never met Georgia! She said one of the rewards was, "...after participants receive help applying make-up and trying on scarves and hats, they often are more light-hearted than when they came in." She also said, "Sometimes, the women are giggling... they can't wait to get home and show their husbands. They feel feminine, and their condition doesn't seem so insurmountable any more."

Upon her leukemia diagnosis two years later, Georgia found herself in the research mode again and she learned that her treatment would require an immediate bone marrow transplant. Georgia was fortunate that her brother, David Albrough, was a perfect match for the two stem-cell transplants she would ultimately receive during her struggle with this disease.

Even during her treatment Georgia continued to give back to the community. It was this year-long battle with leukemia that would eventually result in the birth of the Georgia Jacobson Foundation. Georgia was instrumental in laying the groundwork for this organization insuring that we knew what she hoped to accomplish.

Although we lost Georgia to leukemia she left us with a success story of inspirational proportions. Her contagious smile will forever dwell in the memories of those of us who knew her. We will miss her dearly but her courageous vitality lives on. Georgia leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration, motivation, and a spirit that will never stop giving.