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BE KIND, BE BEAUTIFUL, BE WONDERFUL: CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF JODI FISHER

By Hannah Baker (RPTA '13), Staff Writer

"Jodi literally touched millions of lives during her final weeks, and she has left a legacy that embraces those experiences and values that we in our profession so deeply cherish."

Dr. Hendricks spoke those kind words about Jodi Fisher, a 1997 Cal Poly RPTA alumna, who recently lost her battle to inoperable cancer on March 17, 2012. Fisher's positivity and liveliness shined through her, and it came to life when she was able to accomplish many things on her "Fun List." Instead of the well-known "bucket list," Jodi and her family decided to make a list of all of the fun things they would like to do together, such as go to Disneyland, shake Barack Obama's hand, and appear on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Fortunately, all of these adventures, and many more, were checked off of the Fisher's fun list before Jodi passed.

Fisher grew up in Arroyo Grande and worked for the city's Parks and Recreation Department while still a student at Cal Poly. Additionally, she became a Research Assistant for Dr. Hendricks, helping to contribute to the Hendricks' success of earning the Excellence in Wilderness Management Research Honor. She then spent most of her professional career in the recreation field working at Rancho El Chorro Outdoor School as a Naturalist. She was widely known as a personable and knowledgeable naturalist with a passion for the outdoors.

Her passion for our field was evident, but family was most important to Fisher. She married fellow Cal Poly alumnus Shawn Fisher, and the couple have two amazing children, Callie and Jonah.

Cancer was never an obstacle that stopped Jodi from living her life happily with her family. On Jodi's 44th birthday, she celebrated by handing out free ice cream from an ice cream truck in Cayucos. Shortly after the event hit national news, many others were influenced by her story and her fun list. By February, Fisher was given the chance to meet President Obama in San Francisco. Less than a week later, she appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and was presented with a $30,000 check from Sara Lee to go towards Callie and Jonah's education.

Since Jodi's passing, hundreds of people have been doing their part to provide support to all of those that were blessed in knowing Jodi. As you will read about below in the article "What's on Your Fun List?", Dr. Jacob's RPTA 205 class has been selling t-shirts in efforts to raise money to support the Fisher family. With extensive medical bills that still need to be paid, the community is generating various ways in which we can all contribute. The RPTA Department is also working with Cal Poly on creating an annual Memorial Scholarship in honor of Jodi. So far, about $2000 has been guaranteed from donations; however, Cal Poly requires $10,000 up front in order to endow the scholarship.

Jodi truly did touch the lives of many all across the nation. There are various YouTube videos available for public view as well as a website entitled "What Would Jodi Do," which shares Jodi's story, blogs, and sells t-shirts for her cause. For those who are interested in more information regarding Jodi's story or who would like to buy a shirt, visit www.whatwouldjodido.com

Dr. Hendricks summed up Jodi's impact: "Jodi had an extreme passion for life, and was constantly helping others. She was incredibly inspirational by the way she approached her life and her battle with cancer. We will all miss her deeply, but her legacy shines brightly."

In Jodi's own words, "Be kind, be beautiful, be wonderful!"

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