Newest World Champion Fights for Her Life

On Friday, October 31st, Jim received a phone call from his colleague and friend, Mark Brown (1995 World Champion of Public Speaking).  Within less than an hour, Jim and I were heading into downtown Dallas to Baylor Medical Center.

LaShunda Rundles, 2008 World Champion, member of District 50 and friend, is in Baylor's Intensive Care Unit, fighting for her life.  Her sister said to definitely get the word out ... so I figure my blog is a pretty quick way to at least start that.  LaShunda needs all the prayers, well-wishes, and "good vibes" she can get.

LaShunda has battled Lupus for years.  Lupus is an auto-immune disorder where your immune system goes crazy.  It can't tell the difference between foreign substances and your own cells.  Your body ends up turning on itself.  (To learn more, click here.)

Within the past eighteen months, the fight waged within her body has become downright vicious.  Late last year, she had several toes amputated.  She's gone from a size 10 to a size 0.  And at the World Championship in Calgary this August, LaShunda was fighting just to keep food down as her body rebelled against her.

In late September, against her doctor's orders, LaShunda attended an event held here in District 50 to honor her accomplishments.  She delivered a keynote speech from a chair on-stage that was moving beyond words.  Her message was one of hope, and of love, and of encouragement.

Immediately afterwards, she checked into the hospital.

As her doctors struggled to figure out what was wrong, last week, LaShunda's intestine perforated, spilling toxins into her body.  Infection set in.  And her pain became unbearable.

When Jim and I visited LaShunda on Friday, they had her completely under sedation because of the pain.  There were so very many tubes and wires coming out of her body ... but LaShunda is a fighter.  As her sister, Sonja, told us, "She's a Rundles."  And though her doctors said her prognosis was grim, Sonja told us LaShunda knew she was in the hands of the ultimate physician.

Over the weekend, the doctors pumped her full of antibiotics to battle the infection.  And a great many prayers were said on LaShunda's behalf.

Jim and I visited her again this morning.  I didn't know what to expect ... but LaShunda actually opened her eyes!  Though she was still heavily sedated, LaShunda clearly knew we were there.  Sonja said to her, "These Toastmasters sure do love you," LaShunda cracked a smile around her breathing tube.

When we left, LaShunda seemed to be resting peacefully.

She heads in for exploratory surgery tomorrow morning, when her doctors will assess the extent of the damage.  Sonja will keep us posted, and I'll pass the news along to you here.

At that District 50 event just a handful of weeks ago, someone asked LaShunda what her goal was now that she'd won the World Championship of Public Speaking.  "I'm at peace," she said.  "You know how we wonder if we've done what we're supposed to do with our lives?  I don't have that angst any more.  From this point on, it's all gravy, baby."

Keep fighting, LaShunda ... we'll keep praying.  After all, there's lots more gravy left for you.

Comments

[Jo Liu]

Dear LaShunda,

You've been on our minds a lot. This morning I got a long voice message from Lorraine Treadwell, and we are very encouraged to learn that you are now off the life support. You are indeed a fighter, and a winner! It gives us so much joy and hope to know you are doing better. Yes, Toastmasters around the world shall pray for you. And we know you are at peace with life. Happy Thanksgiving LaShunda! May God contunues to watch over you.

Jo Liu
ASCAP Club President
1 Lincoln Plaza, New York, NY 10023
Club #6469, Div. C, Dist. 46

[Jo Liu]

Dear LaShunda,

Though I have never met you, I can connect knowing what a heroine you've been! We all have to go, but for Christians we know we will never be lost, for it was our blessed asurance that we have the life which overcomes death, the life that does not perish. As we fly away to glory, we rejoyce, we know it is OK. I pray for God's peace be in you. His plan is the best, His house we shall be in. There are many that you've touched, and many who carry you in their hearts with deep love.

--Jo
(Toastmaster at ASCAP)

[Lorraine Treadwell]

Hello LaShunda,
I pray for your recovery. You have made quite an impact on many lives with your victory. Hear LaShunda sing http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=275547716
Yours in faith ,
Lorraine Treadwell, DTM
Harlem Toastmasters Club
NYC

[Mendoza]

LaShunda:
You have given spirit and empowerment to many people, specially women...
prayers from MEXICO
in District 34...
the courage to give the best of all as in our organization.
No borders, no frontiers,
just real calm and heart from District 34
BUENA SALUD --> Spanish means GOOD HEALTH TO YOU

[Warren Pereira, District 70, G.O.A. Toastmasters]

Hi Lashunda,

Our prayers are with you during your times of hardship, and pain. I can't thank you enough, for the inspiration that your World Championship winning speech has given. Further, i know that the Toastmasters in Australia will all be praying for your recovery, and hoping to see you take the stage again, and deliver another emotionally-driven, inspiration.

[Ora Prioleau]

Lashunda,
I did not hear your speech. I hope it will be on DVD through the club. I would so much love to hear it. In the mean time, remember that God is a mircle worker. We at the Garland Toastmasters hope and pray that you are at the top of his list of mircles.

[Dave Ross (1991 WCPS)]

God Bless her. My prayers are with her.

[Michael Sun]

Dear LaShundra,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Get well soon!

Michael Sun, DTM
District 2 Toastmasters

[Barbara Jabu]

LaShunda, I wish you only good things and most of all speedy recovery. Thank you for making a great impact in my life! You have taught me how to follow the magic in my heart. Thanks for the inspiration.
Warmest Hugs,
Barbara Jabu, District 51 (DNAR - Malaysia, Brunei & Indonesia)

[Patsy Heiss]

Club 9551 District 84 sends you best wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery.

[Brenda Perry]

LaShunda, while we were looking forward to being with you here in Oklahoma during our District 16 Conference, Oct.31 - Nov.1st, it's far more important that you are receiving the medical care needed. I hope we will meet you someday along our Toastmasters travels but, until then I and many others are sending positive thoughts and prayers your way, Sista. You've already fought a good fight! Best Wishes, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Toastmaster, Brenda L. Perry, ATM-G

[Priti Mahale - Verbal Expressions Toastmasters]

Hi LaShunda,

You are such an awesome inspiring person - your Toastmasters family needs you! Get well soon.

- Priti

[John Inglis]

District 70 wishes LaShunda a fast recovery her winning speech was an inspriation to us all. Our thoughts and prayers will be with her in the days ahead

[Michael Jue]

LaShunda -
District ONE Toastmasters wish the best for you and we pray for your speedy recovery.

Michael Jue, DTM
District ONE Toastmasters

[Patricia Cottonn, DTM]

LaShunda,

I was at the Regions III conference in Houston Texas in June of this year and heard your winning speech which led you to Iternationl where you won. I was and am very impressed with your loving and givng personality inspite of your adversities.

God's blessings as he and his Angels keep and protect you always...he is in charge and your faith in Him is a blessing and so special!!

I will keep you in prayer and spread the word here in District 56 - we have our Fall Conference tomorrow, Saturday, November 8th and I will ask the top three to give a shout-out to all of District 56 for your successful, blessed and a speedy recovery.

Much warmth,

Patricia Cotton, DTM
District 56 Toastmasters

[Patricia Cottonn, DTM]

LaShunda,

I was at the Regions III conference in Houston Texas in June of this year and heard your winning speech which led you to Iternationl where you won. I was and am very impressed with your loving and givng personality inspite of your adversities.

God's blessings as he and his Angels keep and protect you always...he is in charge and your faith in Him is a blessing and so special!!

I will keep you in prayer and spread the word here in District 56 - we have our Fall Conference tomorrow, Saturday, November 8th and I will ask the top three to give a shout-out to all of District 56 for your successful, blessed and a speedy recovery.

Much warmth,

Patricia Cotton, DTM
District 56 Toastmasters

[Nancy Bateman]

Dear LaShunda,

Keep up the fight grrrrrrrrrrlfriend, after hearing you last month I know the world needs to hear you speak again!

Love to you and to your loving family.

Nancy

[Sridhar Aemalla]

LaShunda

Your speech that you gave in honour of your accomplishment at the district 50 , moved me. I was so touched by your love and affection , it made me a better man.

I wish for you to recover soon.

Thanks

Sridhar Aemalla

[Fabrice Mulangu]

Lashunda,

We're prayer that you get well and that God touches you in a miraculous way. We prayed that you get back on your feet in no time. You are not only a Toastmasters champion but you are a champion over this disease.
All the blessings and can't wait to hear your next speech.

[Devaki Chandramouli, Verbal Expressions]

My Wishes and Prayers to LaShunda for a speedy recovery from her severe illness! Your accomplishment is a true inspiration to all of us, Toastmasters!
Thanks to Angie for spreading the word!

[KK CHEE, IPDG D51]

The prayers of members of District 51 are for you,LaShunda - May the Lord be with you by your side every step of your way.... keeping you safe, strong and sure.

[Charles van Blommestein]

LaShunda and all TM's,
(What, by chance is LaShunda's BLOOD TYPE?) I am donating blood at my local blood center tomorrow morning and am seeking specific recipients or "honourees" as the donation form offers.
The Coffee Memorial Blood Center (CMBC) is the MAIN DISTRIBUTION CENTER for the South Central Blood Banks in the USA. The CMBC was povital in collecting and distributing blood and blood components during each of the national catastrophies of recent history, including the hurricanes that had devastated the US Gulf coast.
My previous Home club meets at the CMBC.
I am an O+ and encourage EVERYONE to donate!

~Charles van Blommestein ATM-S CL
Former Natural Gasser Toastmaster
District 23 - Club 1875

Current Panhandle Pro Club Toastmaster
District 23 - Club 7608
Amarillo, Texas

[Ted Gonzales]

Hi LaShundra,

I just wanted to let you know that it is because of you and your fellow Champions that I am in Toastmasters. Your inspirational caring and Love have shown through and Is felt by every Toastmaster throughout the world.

Our payers and best wishes are with you.

Ted Gonzales, ACS
RealOrators Toastmasters
Albuquerque, New Mexico

[PHILLIP PITT]

LASHUNDA,
WE MISSED SEEING YOU AT THE DISTRICT 16 CONFERENCE, BUT WE REALIZED THE IMMINENCE OF YOUR SITUATION. MAY GOD HEAL YOU, AND WE WILL PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOUR INTERNATIONAL CONTEST SPEECH WAS DYNAMITE. GOD BLESS YOU. GET WELL SOON.

PHILLIP PITT
SPEAKEAST TOASTMASTER, CLUB #2066

[Craig]

We are all thinking of you in District 74, hang in there.

Craig