A Light That Shone Brightly
Deborah (Debbie) Milligan lit up the world with her infectious laughter and boundless spirit. She was a source of joy for her parents, Don and Rita, and their family and friends. Her playful energy and love of life brought smiles to everyone she met. Her favorite pastimes included playing with her pet lamb and riding her tricycle.
Tragically, her vibrant light dimmed too soon when doctors diagnosed her with leukemia. For her family, it felt as though the world had stopped turning. They were thrust into a whirlwind of hospital visits, treatments, and uncertainty. Each day brought challenges, but Debbie remained a beacon of hope. Her courage inspired everyone she touched.
Debbie's strength was unparalleled. Even on the most challenging days, she found moments to smile, reminding those around her of the beauty in life, no matter how difficult it seemed. She made friends with everyone who cared for her. Debbie taught everyone around her what it meant to fight gracefully and hold onto hope.
Although Debbie’s battle with leukemia was fierce, her spirit never faltered. She fought bravely, but sadly, she left this world too early. Her family remembers her as a vibrant, loving little girl who made every day brighter, even amid unimaginable challenges.
We created this memorial fund to honor Debbie in collaboration with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to celebrate Debbie's and Rita's memory and the courage they embodied. The mission of St. Jude is to ensure that no child or family faces the ravages of cancer alone and to find a cure for childhood cancers. Every donation made in Debbie's name will contribute to groundbreaking research and treatment for children battling leukemia and other life-threatening diseases. We hope that by sharing Debbie’s story, we can inspire others to join us in this fight. The legacy of Debbie will forever be a reminder of the strength found in compassion, love, and hope.
Together, let’s honor her memory through our support and give other children the chance to shine brightly as she did. Thank you for being a part of this vital journey.
Learn more about St. Jude
- St. Jude Global: https://www.stjude.org/global/reaching-the-world.html
- Meet St. Jude patients: https://www.stjude.org/about-st-jude/stories/meet-our-patients.html
- St. Jude History: https://www.stjude.org/about-st-jude/history.html