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Debbie Bond, a local parishioner who helped others fight cancer through faith, lost her battle with breast cancer this month.

Debbie Bond, volunteer coordinator for the diocesan Healing Through the Body of Christ Cancer Ministry, died July 16. She was 42.

Faithful Catholic Sun readers may remember her name or a bit of her struggle with Stage IV breast cancer. She was featured in a 2007 article on cancer ministries and mentioned in a 2006 report on a light-hearted cancer ministry event

Bond turned to the Healing Through the Body of Christ Cancer Ministry for support after her diagnosis more than four years ago. She found that and a higher calling to help others battling cancer.

“She knew that even if they didn’t survive the cancer, she could help them find a sense of peace,” said Melissa Veselovsky, St. Peregrine Chapel Director.

Bond coordinated cancer ministry volunteers at St. Anne Parish in Gilbert, hosted community events and provided one-on-one support despite her own suffering when the cancer spread to her bones and vital organs.

“She was an inspiration and a real example of ‘being Christ to one another.’ Her passing leaves a huge void in our hearts,” Veselovsky said.

Healing Through the Body of Christ Cancer Ministry, headquartered at the new St. Peregrine cancer chapel at Christ the King Parish in Mesa, will place an engraved brick at the chapel in her honor.

The St. Peregrine chapel offers hope and emotional and spiritual support, to all who are affected by serious illness, especially cancer.