Story by TJ Hodges
Originally posted by Effingham Daily News (March 15, 2015) (http://www.effinghamdailynews.com/opinion/columns/you-inspire-an-entire-community-jodi-waymoth/article_40e430e0-a02d-58e7-9cd4-e072cdb4e176.html)
When your actions have an extreme positive effect on others, you are doing something right. When you’ve been through a personal health scare and you still work to help others, you are an inspiration. When you’ve overcome cancer more than once and you inspire an entire community, you are Jodi Waymoth.
Jodi has faced colon cancer and breast cancer, but has overcome each battle. She has been the rock for many who have and are currently fighting the horrible disease. She has even started a nonprofit, Fear Nothing, to focus on cancer research and help families facing cancer head on. She has led others in getting financial help for gas cards, gift cards, and to help when families are in need of a helping hand, a hug, and a smile.
A graduate of Teutopolis High School, Jodi resides in Effingham with her kids, Ellie and Evan, and devoted husband Jeff.
“Jodi is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to turning a life or death experience into something graceful and giving,” Jeff said. “She has the wattage to light up a room and chooses to use that energy to reach out a hand to those that are walking through the dark from a cancer diagnosis and treatment. She has been there in every sense of the word and isn’t afraid to revisit those places in her life to connect with others and show cancer patients what’s possible. Cancer doesn’t stand a chance when she’s involved.”
Jodi has been a lot to a lot of people. Her reach has been so important to LeAnn Schroeder as she is fighting cancer for the second time.
“I could say a lot about Jodi,” LeAnn said. “We met by friend introduction when I was first diagnosed in 2012. I originally reached out to her to ask questions about a disease that left many questions but I found a friend who I could not imagine not having as I fight this battle. She knows what I am going through. In addition to her help AS I fight, she has included me WITH the fight.
“Her hard work on raising funds for breast cancer research has been a big task to which she has allowed me to be a part of.”
LeAnn is speaking of the wonderful events Jodi has held. Her group, Fear Nothing is gearing up for their annual Kentucky Derby for a Cure event at Tuscan Hills Winery on May 2.
There are so many great adjectives to use when describing Jodi. Lori Worman, who has been inspired by Jodi to help in this fight against cancer had some powerful words about Jodi.
