Jamie Barkes Pursley, a Topeka, KS native attended college at Kansas State University (1994-1998). She was a proud member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She married Aaron Pursley in 2003.  In 2005, they found out they were expecting their first child. Later that year, Aaron's job transferred them out of Kansas to Richmond, IN.  A few months after moving, Jamie gave birth to a baby girl, Kayden. Her breast cancer journey began 9 months after her daughters birth.

October 2006 ~ Jamie is diagnosed with breast cancer in Richmond, IN and immediately begins her first treatment cycle (chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation) at Indiana University Medical Center. Her treatments continued at IU from October 2006 to February 2010.

June 2008 ~ Jamie has a recurrence of her breast cancer.

November 2009 ~ Jamie learns her cancer has metastasized to her bones and is now considered terminal.

February 2010 ~ Aaron and Jamie had the opportunity to transfer back home closer to family. They settled on Lawrence, KS. Jamie was very excited to find out that Lawrence Memorial Hospital Oncology & Hematology Center (LMH) had an oncologist that had studied at Indiana University. She quickly decided that Dr. Soule was an ideal fit and began treatment at LMH. The doctors, nurses and staff gave Jamie an incredible last 12 months of life.

May 2010 ~ Jamie unfortunately learns that her cancer has now spread to her liver.

February 2011 ~ Jamie is the honorary coach for the Kansas Jayhawks Lady Pink Zone game against the Missouri Tigers. Jamie jokingly said she was not so sure about putting on a KU shirt and was so worried about how confused Kayden would be considering they were such big K-State fans. However, Jamie was honored and wanted to do whatever she could to promote breast cancer awareness and she truly embraced the Lawrence community. This game was one of the highlights of Jamie's last weeks.

March 2011 ~ Jamie's cancer progresses and she realizes time is limited. She tells us, "If you want to do something when I'm gone, I would love for you to help update the interior environment in the infusion suites at LMH."

March 28th, 2011 ~ Jamie's husband calls to tell her close friends it is time to come say goodbye. That night, her friends promise her they will fulfill her last wish.

March 29th, 2011 ~ Jamie passes away. All of her friends feel empowered to make a difference by honoring her wish.

August 14th, 2011 ~ Jamie's Wish Foundation is born in honor of one of the dearest people that any of us have ever known.