Gina and I (Lisa Mickey) were friends since 7th grade. There are still days when I have the thought to call her to catch up.

She only went to GCHS for freshman year, but many of you knew her. Many of you saw her last at the 11 Year Reunion (picture is from that night).

Gina was a feisty gal. She had her own opinion and didn't much care if you agreed with her. In fact, if you held your ground like she did, you earned her respect.

She also had a heart of gold. She was forever the crusader for the underdog. She couldn't stand prejudice of any kind and would speak up and stand up at every front.

Gina was diagnosed with a slow-growing brain tumor in 2002. After fighting that for two years, a rapid-growing tumor was found.

She fought the tumor with incredible grace and dignity - all the way to the end. She had most of us convinced that it would not be the end of her...she was always busy helping us cope and making plans for the future. And even in the final days when she couldn't talk, her big blues were so expressive. We had a few moments there that I will cherish until I see her again.