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2009 Persons Of The Year: Sonja Luker
January 2, 2010
Sonja Luker of Molino has been named one of our North Escambia Persons of the Year.
What would a Christmas parade in Molino be without Santa Claus? And Sonja Luker?
Sonja has been the driving force behind the Molino Christmas Parade for years. She has served tirelessly for years on the board of directors for the Molino Recreation Association. Took part in Relay for Life, Special Olympics…the list just goes on and on. Helping the communities of North Escambia has been her calling.
Earlier this year, doctors told Sonja to prepare for the end because, once again, chemotherapy and radiation were unable to destroy all of the cancer cells attacking her body. As Sonja tried to come to terms with the devastating news, she began to wonder how she will tell her children that she will not live long enough to see them marry, how she would tell her parents that she would probably die before them.
But then there was a glimmer of hope that has turned into a real promise. A doctor at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas was convinced that he could trick her body genetically, preventing tumors from forming.
Sonja was first diagnosed with cancer about five years ago when her son was a senior in high school. Her son Timothy is now 22 and daughter Samantha is 21.
“All I did was pray for God to let me see my children graduate,” she said. “I got my miracle.”
For Sonja, there’s always someone that needs help more than she does.
“I do what I do because I like to help,” she said. “There is always somebody worse that I am.”
Our communities did reach out and help Sonja back in September as dozens of motorcyclists took part in a 75-mile Labor Day ride from Atmore.
She said at that time that she was “a little overwhelmed by all of the people that want to help me. I would rather give than receive. I have the most amazing friends in the world.”
She did ask for one thing in return.
“I want to make sure that everybody gets involved with Relay for Life,” she said. “It if were not for the cancer research money provided by Relay for Life, I would have not a chance right now in my fight. I would have no hope if it were not for Relay for Life.”
Pictured top: Chris and Sonja Luker at a benefit motorcycle ride in Atmore in September. Pictured top inset: Sonja rides on float during the 2009 Molino Christmas Parade. Pictured bottom inset: Sonja (in purple) at the North Pensacola Relay for Life at Tate High School. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
19 Responses to “2009 Persons Of The Year: Sonja Luker”
LOL…..What a JOKE these people are. I hope the go to jail for a LONG time!
Mrs Sonja your alway a good freind inlove you and never wanted to loose you that day we had that awareness for cancer I’ve always relized how much you stuggel and I loved taking part in that and being in the dunking both and be with you at realy for life I’m never going to forget that and how we always have fun togather love you Mrs.Sonja
This award doesn’t surprise me, that’s just the kind of person Sonja has always been. We were best friends through middle and high school, and she was always the one who put others above herself – sounds like not much has changed!!
Sonja, keep fighting!! If anyone can kick this, it would have to be you!! You have always been so special to me and will always hold a dear place in my heart. We had so many good times together growing up!! I remember laughing so hard at each other (and sometimes everyone else) that we would almost pee in our pants! You will always be my “Nona”. Love you girl!!
Sonja: You have been an inspiration to your family and to me. I know God has honored our prayers..Continue to smile and lift up the name of Jesus. He inhabits our praise and prayers. The Luker family loves you and have always been glad to call you family..We love you and Chris and the children and we stand firm with you on your continuing health and wellness. Love Aunt Patty
Sonja, I agree with your Mom. You deserve this. You have fought a long fight . I am proud to call you my daughter.
Sonja,
Congratulations!!!!!!!!! You deserve this honor more than any one I know.You have made your daddy and me so proud.We have seen you go through so much with chemo and radiation but you always had a smile on your beautiful face.I am proud to say that you kept the faith that the Lord could and would heal you. We love you more than life and would lay down our life for you. We are proud to call you our daughter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can’t think of a better person than Sonja to get it….I am proud of you. Sonja has had the faith and I know she has been an inspiritation to others…..I use to work with cancer patients & our chemo room had all kinds of FROGS…..Which we would say: Forever Relying On God….(FROG)….A frog ALWAYS hops FORWARD & never BACKWARDS……..Sonja you are in my continued prayers. Keep Smile and Faith…”Faith is stepping out on nothing, but landing on something”….
LOVE YOU SONJA !!! You are always in my prayers! You are a blessing and wonderful inspiration to so many people! Keep your head up and hopes high! I am so glad that the people of North Escambia get to see what a wonderful person they have living in there area!
Sonja’s inspiration and influence has gone far beyond your community to touch my life here in the great state of Maine. Sonja connected with me via Facebook as we share the common bond of cancer survivors. In the summer of 2009, she formed Team Lloyd which included t-shirts that said “I walk for Jenifer”. My greatest hope in this life is that one day I will have the honor of meeting this remarkable woman I have come to love across the miles. Thank you for honoring her.
WHat an inspiration to us all! Sonja has always put others first before her own needs. She is a great mother, wife, friend and more importantly, member of society. We are proud to call her friend.
Love,
The Godwins
I luv you cuz, Ill keep you all in my prayers
yay!! you deserve this and so much more! you are in our prayers! may God bless you in your health and family!! we love you… susan
Sonja you deserve this and alot more. Great work and “LIVESTRONG” LOVE YOU
Congrats to Sonja!!! God Bless you and your family..
Ron and Darlene
Congrats Sonja, may god be with you…
AWWW
God Bless her, I hope she wins this fight!
The Children in this town need her, to say nothing of her own family.
MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU IN THIS NEW YEAR. HE IS THE GREAT HEALER AND WE SHOULD ALL LEAN ON HIM AT ALL TIMES.
You couldn’t of picked a better person that Sonja! I have never met anyone with the strength and courage she has. She loves to help the community and she does it all while fighting her own fight. She always has a wonderful smile on her face, even if she may not be feeling well that day. She is truley an Angel that loves to help others and wants nothing in return. PLEASE SUPPORT RELAY FOR LIFE!
God Bless and Live Strong Sonja!! You are an AMAZING woman, mother, friend, and nona.
Go Sonja! I am so proud of you. Trust God and the Dr. at MD Anderson. We’ll be praying for you and your family.