Tobycc (Kath) passed on to heaven

Rosevalley

Kath was one of our sisters on the D&D thread (Tobycc), she passed away yesterday leaving her twin sons and husband. She was just in hospice less than a week. Her sons are in college and she was so very proud of them. She was so looking forward to retirement, moving to a new home and living life. The Christian women's thread has more information.

Another wonderful person gone too soon. May her family find peace in her memory.

Xavo

My condolences to Kath 's family and friends.

Kath had stage II TN BC which was diagnosed two years ago. Meanwhile she was also diagnosed with very early staged Endometrial cancer. She received treatments for both the cancers. Her TN BC went to remission last year, which was why Kath did not post in stage IV forum until last month when she was told that she had only three months to a year due to her Endometrial cancer metastases. She was shocked. She directly went to the D&D thread and posted her first post in our stage IV forum there where I learned hers story. Kath was the CEO of a nonprofit mental institution till her passing. She was rushing to get things in order, scheduling retirement, selling house, preparing moving... all happened just too soon. However, Kath was incredibly calm and graceful. I admire her ability to stay on top of issues no matter what. I didn't expect that she got so little time...

May Kath be in peace .

Longtermsurvivor

Tobycc/Kath took such comfort in her bco home group of Christian women and I was glad when she reached out at the D&D topic/thread after receiving a very short prognosis due to endometrial cancer.

She'd so hoped to retire with grace, move and see her sons both graduate from college.

Sad that she didn't survive to accomplish her goals, yet grateful we met.

The moderators sent this note, "We've also reached out to Celia to add Kath to the angel's list, if you can pass that along to the others. Thanks!"

The loss of any one of us affects all of us.

blessings, Stephanie

LindaE54

Thank you Rosevalley. My heartfelt condolences to all who loved Kath.

steelrose

I'm very sorry to read this. Rest in peace, Kath.

MusicLover

This is very sad news. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.

50sgirl

I wish comfort and peace to her family and friends.

Zillsnot4me

it was very quick. Glad she is free.

Mominator

Each that we lose takes part of us

A crescent still abides

Which like the moon some turbid night

Is summoned by the tides.

- Emily Dickinson

Kath amazed me with her dedication to her family and her non-profit. She was determined to make a smooth transition in leadership in June and moving to her new house. Rest in peace, dear Kath. My heartfelt condolences to her husband, her sons, and her friends.

WinningSoFar

I'm so sorry to hear of her death. May God take her into the next life and hold her in His care.

Beatmon

Another sister gone too soon.

Nomatterwhat

Rest in peace, Kath.  God, please help her family get through this. 

Shutterbug73

My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

teacher911

Sincere sympathies to her family and friends.

Meadow

So very sorry for her passing.

nancyh

Sad to read this, thanks for letting us know, Rosevalley. May she rest in peace.

RonnieKay

Rest in peace, Kath...I remember her from your description, Xavo.  Thanks for sharing the difficult news, Rosevalley. I just left the hospital, visiting a dear friend who had her dbl mx last week, TN, and developed a very bad infection.  I told her my allegiance with bc.org sisters is the best friendship there could be...but today, it feels very sad.  Love to all & Tobycc...may your family feel your presence always.

ibcmets

Wishing peace and comfort to her family & friends.

Terri

Bestbird

I am so very sorry... may all who knew and loved Kath receive comfort from memories of happier times.

Kjones13

rest in peace kath. May God hold and enfold those who loved her

bandwoman1234

Kathryn Leib-Hunter, CEO of NAMI of Collier County, dies

2015 Class of 25 over 50: Kathryn Leib-Hunter

By Alexi Cardona of the Naples Daily News

Kathryn Leib-Hunter was a true advocate.

As the chief executive officer of NAMI of Collier County, she knew how to get things done and fought to change the stigma associated with mental illness.

She died on Wednesday evening at 54.

A release the organization sent out Thursday afternoon states she had been suffering severe health issues.

Leib-Hunter became known in the community as a champion for those affected by mental illness. It was a cause close to her heart. One of her brothers struggled with mental illness and substance abuse and died as a result.

More than 20 years ago, she helped found a Guardian ad Litem program, which trains adults to represent the interests of children in court.

In 1993, she went on to become executive director of the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Collier County, now NAMI, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

"She built the organization to what it is today," said Karen Kalinowski, NAMI's director of administration. "She was a force, but she was also very human. She touched you instantly. She had tremendous love and showed it for the entire community."

Under her leadership, the organization grew to serve more than 12,000 people. Leib-Hunter trained more than 700 law enforcement officers and community leaders in crisis intervention.

"Kathryn was a passionate advocate and community leader," said Scott Burgess, CEO of the David Lawrence Center. "Her impact has been great in Collier County and I have been honored to serve in partnership with her towards effectively addressing the mental health needs of our community. Her efforts helping bring mental health training to area law enforcement professionals through a rigorous training program we worked on together, called CIT, is just one example of how her legacy will live on and on, to the benefit of our community."

She also partnered with the Naples Children & Education Foundation to start HUGS, Health Under Guided Systems, which screens 2,000 children a year for mental health problems and helps families find services.

Leib-Hunter brought her faith and family values to her work.

"You never had a conversation with her without her twin boys being part of that conversation," Kalinowski said. "She was a family person first and foremost. Kathryn also had tremendous faith and brought it into everything she did. That really resonated with the people she helped."

In 2015, Leib-Hunter was honored as one of the Naples Daily News' 25 over 50. She was asked what she was most proud of accomplishing, and she said, " I am most proud of being able to provide hope and help to people in need. I have been blessed to realize my mission in life, and constantly challenge myself to work harder in helping others.

Related Coverage

2015 Class of 25 over 50: Kathryn Leib-Hunter

By Alexi Cardona of the Naples Daily News

Kath, you have impacted my life in such a profound way. I dearly miss you and can't wait to see you in heaven.

Love

Nancy

Mominator

Thank you Kath for all you did to help those with mental illness and their families. The world is a much better place because of you. Rest in peace, my dear.

PoppyK

Kath was one of my September chemo sisters. She was so proud of her boys. She helped me when I was dealing with my son's severe depression and mental health issues while I was dealing with stupid cancer. I will never forget her. Prayers for her family.

Meadow

Such a precious person, such a loss to everyone