Donor Spotlight: Dianna Lanpher

Guest Blog Post by the Lanpher Family:

For over eighty-one years, the world was graced by the presence of Dianna Lynn Lanpher. Born on July 11, 1942, in Minot, North Dakota, Dianna’s journey culminated on January 4th, 2024, outside Denver, Colorado, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience and unwavering dedication.  

Dianna’s life was a testament to the profound power of love. As a mother to Brad and Keri, her heart overflowed with boundless affection, shaping their lives with her warmth and devotion. Together, they reveled in the joys of adventure, their laughter echoing through the mountains as they carved memories on the slopes of Sunlight Mountain Resort just outside of Glenwood Springs, Colorado.  

Tragically, Dianna’s world was shattered when Brad was diagnosed with melanoma at a young age. Despite the anguish of witnessing her son’s battle, Dianna stood as his unwavering champion, a beacon of strength and support until his passing at 35. In the wake of her loss, Dianna, alongside her husband John and daughter Keri, transformed their grief into purpose.  

With relentless determination, Dianna turned Sunlight Mountain Resort into a bastion of hope, rallying the ski community through annual fundraisers and awareness campaigns for the MRF raising over $10,000 throughout the years. “Melanoma Awareness Day” (also known as Brad’s Day) endured for 11 years, with local dermatologists donating their time to conduct free skin screenings. Each year, nearly 60 people were seen and inevitably, 3-5 of them were recommended to have a follow-up appointment due to concerning findings.  

Her efforts were not just about raising funds but about igniting conversations, providing sunscreen and disseminating vital knowledge about melanoma prevention and early detection. Every fundraiser, every skin screening, became a tribute to Brad’s memory, a testament to Dianna’s enduring love and commitment. Through her advocacy, she became a guiding light for those affected by melanoma, embodying the resilience of a mother’s love and the transformative power of compassion.  

Though Dianna may have left this world earlier this year, her legacy lives on through the tireless dedication of her husband John and daughter Keri. In their grief, they find strength, carrying forward Dianna’s torch of advocacy and education. Together, they ensure that her passion for melanoma awareness continues to inspire change and save lives for generations to come.  

Today, we honor Dianna Lynn Lanpher—a beacon of love, resilience and hope. Let us join hands to carry forward her legacy, supporting the vital cause she championed with unwavering dedication. In doing so, we honor not just Dianna, but all those whose lives have been touched by the scourge of melanoma. Let us turn grief into action, transforming tragedy into triumph and ensuring that Dianna’s spirit of love and compassion shines brightly forevermore.