Gabby De La Cruz
Staff Writer

Junior Nereyda Magali Iniguez, a double major in business administration and sociology, died Dec. 28, 2005 of leukemia. She was 20. A memorial service took place on Feb. 16 outside the University’s chapel, where faculty, friends and sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority gathered.

Senior Felirose Tamparong, president of Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority, helped organized Iniguez’s service.

“Some people take for granted the saying ‘live life to the fullest,’ but Neddie really lived her life with a smile and without a complaint in the world,” Tamparong said.

“Neddie influenced many people that knew her and even those who didn’t know her,” she added.

Campus Minister Deborah Roberts led the service and made great efforts to put it together. Roberts was a professor to Ms. Iniguez and wrote her a letter while she was in the hospital.

“I always think it’s a good idea to honor a student,” Roberts said.
“I am really glad the service was planned because it was very meaningful to those who needed it, especially her sorority sisters,” she added.

Ms. Iniguez studied abroad in Australia during her sophomore year, which was one of the most valued memories she cherished. Due to her condition, Ms. Iniguez had to shorten her trip and come home, but always said it was well worth it.

Ms. Iniguez was born Nov. 12, 1985 in Durango, Mexico. She is survived by two younger sisters, one older brother and a younger half brother. She attended Chaffey High School, where she played soccer for the varsity team.
Ms. Iniguez was diagnosed with leukemia in the beginning of her senior year of high school. After going through chemotherapy, she went into remission. However, while at ULV the disease reoccurred twice more, leading her to a bone marrow transplant.

After an unsuccessful third try for complete remission, Ms. Iniguez decided she would rather not suffer through the pain of chemotherapy any longer.
Senior Mireya Moreno, a member of Phi Sigma Sigma and close friend of Ms. Iniguez, said it has been extremely difficult not having her around, but that she knew she was no longer suffering.

?“She is my inspiration, my sister for life,” Moreno said. “I miss her terribly, but I know she’s in a better place. I remember when she told us she did not want to be in pain anymore and decided to stop another round of chemotherapy. She told us she would rather live a day of happiness than a lifetime of sorrow.”

Ms. Iniguez was an inspiration to many. She always walked around with a smile on her face and never had a negative outlook on her situation. She was proud of who she was and always kept her head up.

“Neddie is an angel looking down on us,” Tamparong said.

Gabby De La Cruz can be reached gdelacruz@ulv.edu.