RSVP Inc

Every community has that person — the one who volunteers to help out at charitable events, is active in promoting the school and its activities and always can be counted on when you need dependable help. Sue Martin was one of those people for the Effingham community. For more than 40 years, Sue was an active supporter of any event that improved the community. She served on numerous boards and committees and donated countless hours to charitable, church and school projects.

In September 2011, Sue received a diagnosis of stage four colon cancer. She immediately began treatment and waged a courageous battle against her disease. All the while she carried on as she had all of her life — working for the good of the community. One year later, on Sept. 11, 2012, Sue lost her fight with the disease a few days after her 63rd birthday. As friends and family gathered to share memories of her life, they realized if she had been aware of the need to have a colonoscopy, they might still be enjoying her friendship and Effingham still would be reaping the benefits of her involvement.

Sue's classmates and lifelong friends, Deb Ryan, Lawrence; Dana Jordan, Burnet, Texas; Martha Coder, Effingham; and Sue's daughter, Brandy Monson, Meriden, formed the non- profit organization R.S.V.P. — Remembering Sue's Valor & Perseverance — in 2013.

The mission of R.S.V.P. is to educate the community of the need for early testing for colon cancer and to provide assistance to families from the are