Extraordinary Healer Emcee, Kathy LaTour, Is Remembered Fondly

Kathy LaTour’s recent death in mid-June was earth-shattering for many of those whose lives were positively impacted by her cancer journey and her messages of hope.

LaTour was the emcee for the Extraordinary Healer Award Dinner, which honors the work of oncology nurses and is hosted every year at the Oncology Nursing Society Annual Congress. She was also a co-founder of CURE Magazine, as well as an author and breast cancer survivor. She died on June 19.

To honor LaTour’s life and her commitment to helping others, CURE®’s readers shared their condolences and personal experiences they had with her. Here, we highlight some of the stories that were shared on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram:

“Thank you, Kathy, for your energy and passion to help others. You reminded me to ‘exhale’ throughout my journey. Fly High.” — DP

“I had the pleasure of meeting Kathy at a Survivors Conference in Dallas back in 2005.” — DWM

“Oh no, so sad to read this. I had the honor of spending time with Kathy at CURE's inaugural Ovarian Cancer Heroes ceremony. She was such a nice, helpful person and did so much for the cancer survivor community.” — RP

“There would be no CURE magazine without her. I had the honor of meeting her at last year’s Extraordinary Healer event, and she was delightful. Thank you, Kathy, for touching the lives of so many affected by cancer. What a difference you made in the world of cancer survivorship. I will miss your articles. RIP.” — SA

“Oh no. So sad. I was fortunate enough to meet her in San Antonio in 2009 when I was nominated as an Extraordinary Healer. We shared breakfast the day after the awards ceremony. Such a thoughtful, beautiful lady. May she rest in peace.” — MS

“So sorry for Kathy's family and the survivor community. She was a true source of encouragement, practical information, and truth infused with humor ... loved that she was so honest and open about the issues many of us struggled with, but not everyone would discuss. She will be missed!” — NDG

“This saddens me greatly. Kathy was a beacon of light and hope to me — encouraging me to write for CURE, take on public speaking, and to mentor other patients. Her humor never failed to bring a chuckle, even when sometimes ‘twisted’. Sometimes only another survivor can feel the guilt that comes from living when others die. That guilt can be channeled into helping the next patient navigate their journey. What an amazing woman!!” – JB

“Noo! She’s been a foundational familiar voice to me since 1995 and to soo soo many!! She will be greatly missed!! Her voice and spirit will continue to be shared.” — MH

“Kathy was indeed a force for good who challenged us all to do better. Her legacy will not just survive but thrive until there is a cure.” — VK

“Kathy was certainly a tour de force whose lifetime work changed the trajectory of cancer survivorship. My condolences to her family and the CURE family. Kathy made a difference.” — RB