Note to readers: I am being joined by my daughter, Michelle, in this column. The star of today's column is Teresa Boos. She has been in remission for 21âÑ2 years and in another 21âÑ2 years she will be considered cured.

Glenn: Dottie and I first met Teresa and Loren Boos through a marriage encounter program all couples getting married in the church were required to attend. It was in 1986, and I believe there were six sessions about two hours in length. We were their sponsor couple.

Teresa and Loren were one of those couples we had a great feeling about being able to have a successful marriage. Very friendly. Down to earth. Mature in their relationship. After their wedding, we would run into them from time to time, and we would visit briefly and get caught up on each other's family.

The one thing I'll always remember about Loren was one of the few times I saw him on the golf course. For a skinny feller, he played this giant draw and hit the ball a mile. And he was -- most likely, still is -- a very good golfer.

Michelle: My senior year of high school, I sat by Teresa in a charter bus of crazy youth group kids on our way to Colorado Springs. We had a brief conversation about college, life and social work. Her encouragement, love for people and sweet, spunky spirit impacted me instantly.

Glenn: They had purchased a pottery store, which Michelle frequented with friends. I was there at the grand opening as a chamber ambassador. I remember because as they took the ribbon cutting picture, I sat on the cake. A member of ambassadors looked at the cake and said, "No one is going to eat that cake.

Some years ago, I heard Teresa had been diagnosed with leukemia. I always have the same feelings. I feel so bad for the person. I feel bad for their family; in this case a young family with a young child. You know their lives are turned upside down. Throughout the months ahead, I would hear news about Teresa -- sometimes good and sometimes not so good.

Michelle: Being a part of a strong church community has its benefits. Teresa's diagnosis and updates were announced in church, printed on the weekly bulletin and sent in daily e-mails. A network of people banded together for one cause: To help Teresa fight.

It was as simple as sending an e-mail, as selfless as making a monetary donation, or as sweet as filling a Christmas tree with ornaments for her hospital room. When someone you know is diagnosed with cancer, it is hard to know what to say and do.

Glenn: A few weeks ago, Michelle donated blood for the first time. When it comes to such things, I knew Michelle had inherited her father's courage (or should I say, lack thereof), so I was a bit surprised. She explained she did so in Teresa's honor, as Teresa had explained to her that cancer patients often get transfusions; hence, the need for blood donors.

Michelle told me Teresa had written a book and asked (told) me to read it. "The Little Handbook of Cancer Etiquette: Help and Hope for the Journey" is well-written and will serve as a reference book for myself on how I interact with friends and family who battle a disease that doesn't fight fair. Although about an hour read, there is a lifetime of knowledge and great advice in this book.

Teresa's story can be purchased for $10 by contacting her directly by e-mail at teresa@sanctuaryfriendsnetwork.com. The profits from the first 670 books will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

There is a blood drive booked in Teresa's honor from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 13 in the Blood Center in a special room called the James Building Conference Room, 208 E. Eighth (south part of the former Hays Meal Site building). There will be signs posted. Appointments are appreciated to make the donation process as simple and easy-going as possible. An appointment can be made by calling (785) 623-4466. And when you are finished, you get a cookie and some juice.

Michelle: Teresa's book touched my heart. Those are the simplest words I can find. Her personal experiences, helping points, humor and hurt are laced with advice, empowerment and encouragement. It is an easy to read, easy to live handbook and I agree, Dad. There is a lifetime of great advice in this book -- way beyond how to "handle" cancer.

Life is so significant. Every battle, every victory, every loss, every smile, every tear, laugh, story and dream. It is all important, and it all makes us who we are. I might be just one person, but I can do many great things. Donate blood. Sign up for the bone marrow registry (bethematch.org). Encourage someone who needs a smile.

The little things we do every day add up to great, big things in the end.

Michelle Staab graduated in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in social work and currently lives in Hays. She enjoys being

a nanny and a Zumba instructor.

Glenn Staab is the proud father of Justin, Craig, Kevin and Michelle and will celebrate 34 years of marriage to their mother, Dottie,

on the Fourth of July. You can e-mail him at

glenn_staab@yahoo.com.