Michelle Leah "Micki" (Sanford) Lara Died 2018

SANFORD, LARA

Posted By: Connie Swearingen -Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/11/2018 at 06:13:02

Sioux City Journal
4 April 2018

Sioux City

Michelle Leah "Micki" (Sanford) Lara, 48, of Sioux City, died of cancer on March 31, 2018, at a Sioux City hospital.

A celebration of life service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at CrossPointe Church, 2300 W 19th St, in Sioux City. A luncheon will follow. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.

Michelle discovered her professional passion in nursing. She gave the highest standard of care for 14 years as a surgical nurse at Mercy Medical and later at Dakota Dunes Surgery Center. After a traumatic brain injury from a motorcycle accident in 2009, and after having part of her brain removed and enduring left-side paralysis, Michelle fought her way back to life. She went through years of rehabilitation, and then bought a red tricycle to ride on the Missouri River Trail. In 2016 and 2017, she clocked more than 5,000 miles per year and was honored as Outstanding Female Cyclist by the Siouxland Cyclist Club.

In between rides, Michelle worked overtime to obtain a bachelors degree in nursing and a master's degree in nursing education from Grand Canyon University. She almost finished her doctorate in nursing education as well, researching and writing on topics like diabetes and optimization of surgical care. Her dream job was to be a surgical nurse educator; which was obvious in the days before her parting as she reviewed the protocol for a "No Code" and verified safety procedures and medications with the nurses.

An exceptional human being, Michelle triumphed over so many adversities. She taught us to get out there and live life, to summon the fight within, and to keep healthy and alive our connection with family.

Michelle is survived by her 99-year-old grandfather, Tom Sanford of Mapleton, Iowa; parents, Sharon and Jerry Sanford; her five brothers, Mark, Michael, Matthew, Martin, and Monte; and daughter, Larissa Lara; and a son.

To carry Michelle's mission forward, donations to the Siouxland Trails Foundation are welcomed.