Micki Kidder ’19 MBA
Micki Kidder, Vice President for Undergraduate Enrollment, details a sudden medical diagnosis and the caring support of the surrounding community.
“Almost immediately after, multiple ND alumni who are leading physicians in South Bend, Cleveland, and Chicago were calling to consult and express their prayers. Other ND physicians showed up in my hospital room at all times of the day and night. Phone calls flowed in, countless text messages arrived, and I learned that a prayer service would be held at the Grotto with my family, colleagues, and friends in just a few hours.”
In this sacred season of Advent, remember that the world is full of beautiful people who fight for one another and what is good. And in the darkest of moments — in my experience — there is no better group of people to be surrounded by than the Notre Dame family.
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Micki, hope your treatment and recovery are going well. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 pancreatic cancer and had surgery at Loyola’s Bernadine Cancer Center in October. Currently going through 12 chemotherapy rounds at Northwestern Medicine. If you have any unused prayers send them my way. Thanks to you and the Notre Dame family for their prayers and support. Ed Rog ‘86EMBA
You will be the intention of my rosary today Ed. May God bless you and send you his healing.
Good morning Ed. I am sorry to learn of your diagnosis. I have added you to my daily prayer list and will begin praying for your physical comfort, that your treatments will succeed in eradicating your cancer, and that you will be stronger in faith for having gone through this trial. May God grace you with His strength and perseverance.
Micki, we were together on the ND Trail in 8/2017. Had no idea you subsequently suffered this trauma. But you couldn’t be part of a finer family than ND and I am so pleased you are doing well. God bless you, your family, and Merry Christmas!
My sister is enduring cancer while I suffer from pain I often think is more than the doctors say because it responds to almost nothing . I have made it to 72 pretty alone. My brother I’m law is an alum, so I know the university. I liked your story very much. I’m a bit jealous (smile) that it’s not my school. But we all share the mercy of God through Jesus and the Holy Spit. But even more, you’re telling me love heals. So does joy so you made me feel better tonight. Thank you .
Mikki,
I never knew your story, only knew you had been ill. As I pray my rosary today you will be in my intentions for continued recovery and strength. Thank you for sharing your story. God sends us angels in the form of friends and family and how blessed to know we are surrounded by them at our beloved university. God bless you and your family!
Lauren Sarber
Micki, Thank you for sharing your sacred story. It highlights the importance and beauty of a faith filled community of support at all times, but especially in times of great challenge. I have every confidence that your recovery was positively impacted by the prayers of so many. Your physical recovery may not be without its limitations, but your spiritual recovery is obviously at 100%. What a blessing!! May God continue to heal your physical body and keep you safe, and may you and your family enjoy a Christmas that is blessed beyond measure.
Micki,
thank you for sharing your story and for reminding us all that we are the ND family. Bless you.
The strength of the Notre Dame community is a great blessing. People who don’t know each other but are bonded by Our Lady and will pray for each other in times of need is a welcome story in this final week of Advent. May good health and many blessings come to all this Christmas season.
Wonderful reflection, choking me up as I sit here in the dark in front of the computer. God Bless you & your family.
Guy G. ND Club of North Jersey
Beautiful reflection. Thank you for sharing your story. Blessings to you and yours.
Micki,
Thank you for sharing your story. Praying for you and Ed, who mentioned in the comments he is sick with cancer.
In July of 2012 I moved to Cary, NC and my son was starting at ND that fall. A friend encouraged me to join the ND club there (Eastern NC club). I wasn’t so sure as I was “only” a parent but went ahead and joined the club. In October that year I had to have back surgery leaving me fairly helpless during my recovery. The ND club members (whom I barely knew) showered me with help – coming to prepare meals at my house, helping me with dishes, laundry, and prayer.
They also reached out to my son at the ND campus when they were there for football games – taking him things and shouting “go Adam” as he marched by with the band. He had never met them! Thank you ND community for being there when we need it most and to our Lord for providing this community!
Dear Micki,
A beautiful reflection of a most difficult time. Thank you for sharing. Prayers for you and Ed for full recoveries and peace with God. Love and Joy this Christmas season.
Micki: what a beautiful reflection on God’s love for you and for all of us. I’m thankful to hear you are recovering from this illness. May you and your family have a very Merry Christmas.
And, My prayers for you, Ed as you go through chemo. My sister survived stage 1 pancreatic cancer and I know that you will survive stage 2. Have a blessed Christmas.
Micki
Always praying for you and god’s love does amazing things. have a wonderful time with your family during this christmas season.
This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing Micki. Patrick ND’72
Micki,
Even on the darkest of days your light continues to shine! My prayers are with you and your family this Christmas season.
Micki, Keep the faith and thank you for sharing. Don’t give up on golf either my brother in law had a 30 foot fall at his construction site and had significant injuries and lost most of the use of his dominant hand. Ten years later he was back on the course shooting in the low 90’s. With faith and time anything is possible
I am most appreciative of Micki’s Community and progress forward. Ed’s journey forward represents so many of our journeys; and for those we love and know. We pray for All. Community and Hope is what springs forth to me from this Sacred Story. HOPE from the following from above: “remember that the world is full of beautiful people who Fight for one another and what is good.” For me, what is most challenging to see is what Micki has experienced-“my faith is notably stronger”….in her Experience. Thankful for this Experiential Blessing!
Micki, I had not heard of this. What a scary experience for you. I am glad to hear that you are now doing better. God bless you. Keep up your good work at ND. Continued prayers as well.
Micki, thank you for such a brave and moving story. The power of faith and prayer working through community is such a great example of God loving us in our times of both highest joy and lowest anguish. Bless you, and continued improvement. I’ll offer a prayer that you’ll one day again be able to hit a nine iron pin high…
Mickie, I didn’t know of this challenge you faced.. I am so glad you have recovered. You’re awesome and I cherish the time all of us Notre Dame trail pilgrims spent together. Notre Dame is special and we are blessed to be a part of it. Wishing you a blessed Christmas and New Year. You have a special place in my heart because you and Marita share the same birthday. Terry
Micki – Thanks for sharing your story of faith, prayer and the amazing grace of the Notre Dame community. Blessings to you and your beautiful family this Christmas!
Deeply touched by Mikki’s story. Although she knew my son well, I was only slightly acquainted with her, but respected and admired her at Notre Dame. This story, with its affirmation of the “Notre Dame family,” reminds me of the tremendous support he received as he dealt with ALS. Congratulations, Mikki,
and the blessings of the season on you and your family, — Bob Sedlack
Dear Micki,
We want to join in the power of Notre Dame prayer toward your recovery and will include you in our daily intentions. We hope you have a Most Blessed Christmas and a miraculous recovery in the New Year.
With our Love,
Fred and Mary Ann