Dear MSPP Community,

It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing to you this evening. A terrible tragedy has befallen Cynthia Lucero. Yesterday Cynthia was running the marathon, checking in with her friends, many from MSPP, who lined the course. They encouraged her and she proclaimed her love and friendship to them. Around mile 21 she had something to drink and then collapsed and fell into a coma. Earlier today the physicians gathered to let the family know what was happening. The news was grim. There was no evidence of any brain activity. Later, when they removed life support, Cynthia was not able to breathe on her own. She remains on life support while the family decides what to do.

Cynthia was, by all accounts, triumphant last week. She did a superb presentation at her doctoral project colloquium, surrounded by her family from Ecuador, her friends, colleagues, supervisors and faculty. There was true celebration and deep appreciation of what she had accomplished. Cynthia told several people that she felt it was all coming together for her.

We are all shocked and saddened by this turn of events. Cynthia is beloved. This news is devastating to us all. We are planning a church service followed by a gathering at MSPP. Since the service is not confirmed, please check your email for confirmation or call MSPP tomorrow after 10AM to check the time.

With great sorrow,

Ethel