Melissa's POV

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               Hello, Sunshine. That is exactly what Erin Rajaniemi brought to my life. A beautiful, beaming ray of sunshine. She showed me how fun it can be to try new things - our thing was softball. Although she had played most of her life, this was way out of my comfort zone but I was ready to try something new with this spunky ball of energy who announced that she would be coaching a team. We had a blast and our friendship slowly started to blossom into something that I now thank God for everyday. 
                Cancer. That is exactly what brought extreme heartache to my life. Watching this beautiful, beaming ray of sunshine being taken down by this stupid disease was nothing short of hell on earth. Thankfully we both faithfully serve an almighty God who we also call healer. Along with prayer I knew there was physical work to be done as the medical bills starting rolling in. I decided to organize a yard sale with all benefits going directly to the Rajaniemi's. The day of the yard sale we got the horrific news that Erin had had a terrible reaction to the chemo and that her body was essentially allergic to it. We all knew that this was just satan's way of trying to bring us down and ruin our day. We gathered and prayed and knew that we had to stay strong. With lots of volunteer help from family and our amazing church family, we were able to raise $2200! 
                Lifelong friendship. That is exactly what God brought to my life when He allowed Erin and I's paths to cross. I have never met a more genuine, loving, god-fearing woman who I respect and look up to so much. Watching someone suffer at such a young age is unbearable but having the unconditional loving arms of an almighty God to fall in to brings a peace like no other. If you don't have a personal relationship with Him, now is the time! 
I love you Erin

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