In her own light
Veronica's Story
A life full of laughter, love, and an unshakeable belief that everyone deserves a chance to shine.
Who Was Veronica?
Veronica — Roni to everyone who loved her — was very excited about attending Compass Academy. She loved the atmosphere and her interaction with her Facilitators, her Director, and her fellow students. Roni LOVED working on More Than a Stigma and felt that was one of the most important projects in which she'd ever been involved. She always felt that the community should rally around those struggling rather than make them feel excluded. She threw herself into the mission of More Than a Stigma and even would promote it on Social Media and in the world around her.
Roni Just had a way about her that instantly put people at ease and feel like they'd been friends for years. She cared about everyone whether she knew them personally or just passed them on the street. She took it upon herself to make sure that everyone around her was okay and felt included. Her friends could confide in her that they were struggling, and Roni would go out of her way to check on them, offer help, or just sit with them so they weren't alone in their struggles.Roni was diagnosed with Epilepsy at the age of 16. This was a devastating diagnosis for her which she didn't share with most people. It became a battle that she would wage towards fighting another stigma for those afflicted with this disease. She didn't want this to be more than a small speed bump in her life. She did manage this disease for many years successfully, but epilepsy was what would eventually take her from us. Roni was just embarking on her training as a Social Worker when she passed. She had the forethought to make sure she had a life insurance policy in place. We feel that this money would be more in line with what she'd want if it is used to help students from her beloved Compass Academy or if someone else is in need. We want the money raised to help someone as she did. This money is for those that feel the need to "Live Like Roni" and care for others as she did. We want her legacy to spread through your career of choice, and hope that this small gift from Roni helps you along that path and that someday you inspire others to make a difference.
What She Loved
Learning
Roni devoured books and ideas. She believed education was the great equalizer — the one thing that could open any door.
Community
She volunteered, she showed up, she remembered birthdays. Roni made people feel seen in a world that often looks past them.
Music & Art
Whether she was singing in the car or sketching in her notebook, creativity was how Roni processed the world and shared her joy.
The Outdoors
Long walks, golden afternoons, and the feeling of sunlight on her face — Roni found peace and perspective in the natural world.
Her Legacy Lives On
Roni left us far too soon, but the light she carried doesn't go out. Roni's Hope Foundation was created by her family and friends to honor everything she stood for — and to make sure her belief in people's potential keeps changing lives.
Every scholarship we award is a piece of Roni moving forward in the world. Every student we support carries a little of her spirit with them. That's not grief — that's hope.
If a Rainbow makes a sound, or a flower as it grows, that was the sound of her laughter.
— The Shack
Keep Her Story Going
Honor Roni's memory by helping another student reach their potential. Every gift, every share, every act of generosity is part of her story.