Heather A. Saler

SALER, Heather Ann, nee Briggs "Hebbie", age 38, of Mount Laurel, grew her wings to heaven, on May 9, 2008 after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. Heather was born on September 11, 1969 and grew up in Marlton Lakes NJ. She graduated from Cherokee High School in 1987, graduated at the top of her class at Berkeley Business School and Harris Paralegal School and went on to be a Profession Development Coodinator for Cozen O'Connor Law Firm. Devoted wife to Bradley, beloved Mother to Tyler Stephen Rudnick; survived by her loving parents Barbara and William Butch Briggs of Aiken, South Carolina, brother Scott W. Briggs and his wife Jennifer of West Grove, PA, a very special niece Sophia Briggs and Godson Cameron Briggs, her ex-husband and good friend, Scott Rudnick, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and last but not least, a special friend, Donna Spagnolia. Predeceased by her maternal grandparents Beatrice and John Seibel, and paternal grandparents, Dorothy and William Briggs Sr. Heather enjoyed spending time with her family and her doggies, Bailey and Chloe. Her son was and always will be her whole world. She will be remembered as a wonderful mother whose life was taken from her much too soon. She was such a happy person and always had a smile on her face up until the very end. She made the best of every situation. Heather was a very dedicated and courageous young woman who fought this difficult disease and was determined to create awareness for lung cancer as it is the #1 cancer killer in woman. She leaves behind a legacy of advocacy for lung cancer awareness. Her goal was to reduce the stigma associated with the disease as Heather had never been a smoker or been around second hand smoke. She should be so proud of her many accomplishments. She was featured in many articles and books such as Reader's Digest and Glamour. She appeared on Channel 3 and was also a panelist for lung cancer roundtables with PBS. Her story of hope was also featured in Lung Cancer Alliance's newsletter. The list goes on. In 2004 she organized the first Annual South Jersey Lung Cancer Walk, Run, and Rally benefiting Lungevity Foundation. This is currently the only completely research-driven charity for lung cancer. Altogether Heather's Walk was able to raise over $250, 000.00, all of which went to lung cancer research, over the course of the 4 years. Heather was the walk coordinator, she added new ideas each year to make it bigger and better. Her walk is the model for all Lungevity Walks. She received the Kay Barmore Award from Lungevity Foundation as the 2007 Volunteer of The Year. She was the recipient of the "76ers Hometown Hero" for the Sixers-Cavaliers game on Nov 19, 2005 as she was recognized as "an everyday hero in the community who has gone above and beyond in organizing efforts to advance lung cancer research. Heather you should be so proud. You were so brave in every way and you will always be our hero. Relatives and friends of the family are kindly invited to attend her Visitation Wednesday 9:30-11:45 AM at Hope United Methodist Church, 700 Cooper Rd. Voorhees NJ 08043. Funeral Service 12 Noon. Interment Lakeview Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate contributions in Heather's memory to be made to LUNGevity Foundation 435 LaSalle St., Suite 310, Chicago, IL 60610 or www.lungevity.org to keep this fight going for awareness and eventually a cure for lung cancer.

Heather A. Saler

September 11, 1969 - May 9, 2008