Ailing OKC Woman Donates Vacation Monies For Tornado Relief

As the May 20 tornado tore through Moore, 10 miles away one woman watched in horror as countless lives were ripped apart. Now she wants to do her part to help.

Thursday, June 20th 2013, 6:36 pm

By: News 9


As the May 20 tornado tore through Moore, 10 miles away one woman watched in horror as countless lives were ripped apart. Now she wants to do her part to help.

From her tiny apartment at the Hillcrest Senior Center in south Oklahoma City, all Kathleen Lyons could do was watch and pray.

"I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life," said Lyons.

Then she discovered the tornado destroyed not only homes, but schools.

"That's what really broke my heart was the children," Lyons said.

Kathleen suffers from leukemia and lupus, and is currently in hospice care. She doesn't know how much longer she has to live. She had hoped to take one last trip to the Grand Canyon with money she had been saving for the past two years, $1,500.

Complete Coverage: May 2013 Tornado Outbreak

"I was watching the tornado, and saw all the damage that was being done," remembers Lyons. "And I thought, ‘My disease has progressed to the point that I am in pain almost all the time.' I realized I wouldn't be able to go on my trip. That's when I discovered this could go to a better cause."

So she called News 9 for help. And both Michael Armstrong and I headed down to personally say thank you for her selfless gift.

"I just want it to help."

News 9 has taken Kathleen's generous donation of $1,500 and placed it in a safe until we can personally deliver it to the Red Cross.

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