In Memoriam
Vivian Wood
On January 24th, 2006 our neighbor and friend Vivian Wood lost her battle with cancer. Words can't describe our loss.
From the Autumn 2003 Springwells Park News Letter
From the Detroit Free Press
Vivian Wood: Cancer fight turned nurse into activist
January 28, 2006
Vivian Wood was 36 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
She made a courageous decision. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of the disease, she would commit her energy toward helping other women in the same condition by raising money, as well as awareness, for breast cancer research.
"There were ups and downs, but she would always rally," said her husband, Chris Wood. "Somehow, throughout the ordeal, she always remained upbeat and optimistic."
Mrs. Wood, a mother and registered nurse, died Tuesday of breast cancer at her home in Dearborn. She was 42.
As an ambassador for breast cancer awareness, Mrs. Wood helped raise tens of thousands of dollars by participating in events like the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life and Making Strides.
She was a founding member of Cool Chicks Conquering Cancer, a group of friends named for the four breast cancer survivors who dedicated themselves to the cause. Mrs. Wood was the second member of the group to die.
Susan Miller Anderson, another member of Cool Chicks, first met Mrs. Wood at a support group meeting. She recalled: "She was bald and very beautiful, and made me first realize that I could handle this; it's OK to be this way. She was very special."
Born in Detroit, Mrs. Wood graduated from Grosse Ile High School in 1981. She attended Eastern Michigan University and graduated in 1985 with a degree in social work. Several years later, she became a registered nurse and worked at Wyandotte Hospital.
She married Chris Wood in 1991.
Mrs. Wood had an artistic flair and started her own jewelry business, My Beloved Beads. She fashioned colorful necklaces, bracelets and earrings out of crystal beads and charms, selling them at school bazaars and church fairs. She donated some of the proceeds to the American Cancer Society.
"I think it became very therapeutic for her," said her husband. "She would invite friends over and say, 'Let's make jewelry.' There were beads everywhere."
As her pain increased and the chemotherapy ceased doing its job, Mrs. Wood began to tire more often.
"She fought the good fight," Chris Wood said. "Now she's pain-free and that's what we all wanted."
In addition to her husband, survivors include a son, Michael; a daughter, Emma; her mother, Kathleen Herrero; two sisters, and several nieces and nephews.
Contact JOE ROSSITER at 313-222-6594 or jrossiter@freepress.com.