Stronghold of Hope

About Elonna and the McKibben Family

It has been a long journey since I was diagnosed with cancer and was blessed to learn about Cancell®. With the support of my wonderful husband and my faith, I have lived to experience amazing things with my beautiful family. Read more about us below.

Elonna

I am the firstborn of three children. I have two brothers (no sisters); however, God has blessed me with five sisters-in-law. Being the firstborn child, I have always felt a great responsibility for and to my family. My brothers would lovingly tell you that I tend to be "bossy" when I think I know — no, let me correct that, when I know what is "best" for those I love, most especially them. I have a very strong desire to succeed at everything I become involved in or that is set before my path. I strive to give my best and to go above and beyond what would be expected. I am pretty much an all or nothing kind of person. I have a hard time saying "No," and an equally hard time hearing the word "No." I am sure my husband would tell you that I can be very stubborn and strong-willed at times (alright, probably most times), but I prefer to think that "I know what I want and I am just not that willing to settle for less."

Rob

Rob can make me laugh, cry and want to scream at the top of my lungs — sometimes almost simultaneously. Awww, but he is one of the kindest, gentlest, most easy going men I have ever known. I can remember thinking the first time Rob held me in his arms, "I’m home." God sure knew what kind of man I needed to be paired with, because I will confess that I most certainly am NOT the easiest person to live with. I needed someone who knew how to roll with the punches and who would be able to handle my ups, my downs, my strong personality and who could handle what we have had thrown at us over the last 30+ years. Rob remains my voice of reason, even when there are times I do not like what he has to say. He has stood by me, and he did not walk away from our marriage at the first sign of extreme hardship. He did not say, "Sorry, too tough for me to handle having to deal with a sick, disabled and dying wife along with four premature babies, so I’m out of here." Rob is my anchor, my earthly stability and strength. He is also one of the wisest men I know. Because I know Rob stands beside me, I can continue to be me and work the mission I believe I am still alive to do.

Family

We are extremely blessed with surviving Quintuplets: Jade, Zachary, Brenna and Taryn. Our children turned 23 in September of 2012. Our family has been growing through the marriage of three of our children. We have two sons-in-law, David and Daniel, and a daughter-in-law, Shea. We also saw the birth of our first grand-baby, Julianna, born in May of 2012 to Zachary and Shea. Of course, we believe that she is absolutely beautiful.

Passing Years

The years have flow by so quickly that it is hard to realize that over 23 years have come and gone since those horrible days in 1989 when I was told I would not live very long into 1990. To be told that you will not see your children's first birthday are hard and harsh words to hear. To see that those words were meaningless as the doctors had no clue what God had in store for our lives — to see many, many birthdays as well as the birth of our granddaughter — is so amazing beyond adequate words.

In Closing

So I will close with a promise from God which has come so very true in my life. Search for the Lord and your answers with all your heart and reach for the future and a true hope.

Elonna

Pictures coming soon