Date Of Birth: September 10, 1970
Date Of Death: May 9, 2010
TIFFANY LEIGH BOGARD, 39, lost her long battle against metastatic breast cancer on May 9, 2010. She was born on September 10, 1970, in Indianapolis. Tiffany is survived by her husband, Micha W. Askelson; her two sons, Henry L. Askelson, nearly four years old, and Cooper R. Askelson, age 2 ½; her mother, Jane Diggs Bogard; her father, Donald P. Bogard; her sister, Deirdre R. Bogard (husband Scott Strickler); her maternal grandmother, Louise Diggs; her father-in-law, James R. Askelson (wife Monica Askelson); and her mother-in-law, Patricia D. Askelson. She was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Cary Bogard; her maternal grandfather, Lloyd G. Diggs; her paternal grandparents, Donald H. and Viola K. Bogard; and her step-mother, Rebekah R. McCracken. Tiffany graduated from Park Tudor High School with Honors in 1989. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Purdue University in 1994 (Dean’s List), and during that program was a Research Assistant in a study that culminated in her presenting her findings at the 1993 Midwest Undergraduate Research Conference in Chicago. Tiffany received her Master in Social Work degree from Indiana University in 1999. Due to her advanced illness, Tiffany resigned from her position as President of the Indiana Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in October, 2009, after working for the Society for more than eight years. Prior to that, she held many positions in non-profit/charitable organizations, including Executive Director of College Mentors for Kids! Inc.; Program Coordinator for Youth as Resources of Hancock County; Research Assistant/Consultant for the Indiana Youth Institute; Program Assistant for the Moriah Fund; Director of Organization Development for the Indiana Community AIDS Action Network; and Field Manager/Canvasser for the Citizens Action Coalition. Throughout her educational and professional career, Tiffany always had the passion and made the time to volunteer to assist others, including the Parkview Manor AIDS Hospice; AIDS Walk; the Humane Society; WFYI fundraising campaigns; and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She delivered meals to people stricken with AIDS and co-founded PAWS, Indiana. Visitation will be at the Harry Moore Family Mortuaries, 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on May 16, 2010, and at St. Monica Catholic Church, 6131 North Michigan Road, Indianapolis 46228, between 10.00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on May 17. Services will be held at St. Monica at 11:00 on May 17. Burial will be at Washington Park North, 2702 Kessler Boulevard, West Drive, immediately following the services. In lieu of flowers, Tiffany has requested that donations be made to the Testamentary Trust of Tiffany L. Bogard to assist with the care and education of her sons, Henry and Cooper. Donations to the Trust may be left at St. Monica Catholic Church or sent directly to the Trust in care of Chase Bank, 6910 West 38th Street, Indianapolis 46254.The family would like to thank all of Tiffany’s friends and acquaintances for their calls, prayers, and blog postings during her battle; Dr. Kathy Miller and the entire staff at the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center for their exceptional care and kindness; the hospice team from Clarian Health Hospice; and Sara Gehrich of Care Management, Inc. for her tremendous comfort and support of Tiffany during the last precious days we had with her. Those interested in following Tiffany’s valiant, inspiring battle with incurable metastatic breast cancer are invited to visit her blog at www.caringbridge.org/visit/tiffanybogard.
Deacon Ron Judy Forrest says
Please accept our sincere condolences in Tiffany’s passing.
All who loved her will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Deacon Ron & Judy Forrest
Class of 1959
Mary Jo Bailey says
My deepest sympathy to all the family.
Mary Jo
Mike Pam Runyan says
Micha, Henry, Cooper, Deirdre, Don, Jane and family–
We offer you our most heartfelt condolences and pray that you will be comforted and strengthened to endure with hope these difficult times. May you also have peace in the months and years ahead.
Natoshia Dieter Max and Sophia says
Dear Askelson boys,
Our hearts go out to you. You have been in our thoughts a great deal over the past few months and we will continue to think of you and wish you all the strength you need.
love,
Toshia, Dieter, Max & Sophia
Sherry Amick says
I knew Tiffany only through her children when she would come into the office with them when they were ill or there for another reason. You never knew she was so ill. She was a strong person. My prayers and sympathy to her sons and husband.
Sherry Amick
Dr. James F. Leland’s Secretary
Mark Bailey says
I was Tiffany’s supervisor at CAC some time ago. She was a strong willed,thoughtful soul and was a joy to work with. We spoke from time to time about her activities & issues. She was always positive in her outlook. I’m proud to have had the opportunity to have know her.
GeneSara Tucker says
We pray for you and your family.
For the precious children and husband who will miss her.
Our Deepest Sympathy.
bud/sally
Stacey Oldham says
I’ve never met Tiffany, but I can tell you that the work she has done for the MS Society has greatly enriched my life. I have been diagnosed with MS for 25 years. To date, the research dollars raised locally and nationally have led to treatments that mean I can still walk short distances and use a scooter. My quality of life has been supported financially and medically by the work that she has done.
When I got my diagnosis, I was very scared. I have learned through the years, though, that people can LIVE with MS. It is nothing like the diagnosis of cancer.
Ironically, my long time friend, Leigh Ann Erickson will continue Tiffany’s legacy. She will do Tiffany’s legacy proud!
I’m sure that your family is grieving. Know that God is with you always and that she has earned a very special place in heaven for the work that she did for others throughout her lifetime.
Stacey Oldham
john engle says
Our deepest sympathy
Parvin Susan Gillim says
Please accept our condolences on the loss of Tiffany. We knew her through her father, Don, and Rebekah from the Columbia Club. Heaven now has a new angel.
Linda Hartley says
Dear Jane, Don and Tiffany’s family:
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I have a wonderful picture of Jane and the girls at my mother’s home in Winchester. I will treasure that picture.
Please know that my prayers are with you and I do wish I were able to say this in person.
I wish I had known about her illness before. I had lost touch with Jane a few years ago.
Take care all of you and may God comfort you in this painful loss. Judging by the pictures on her website, she enjoyed life up till it was all gone. Those children are really beautiful.
Sincerely,
Linda (Pitcher) Hartley
classmate of Jane (Diggs) Bogard
Paula French says
To Tiffany’s Family,
I worked with Tiffany several years ago when she was at ICAAN and I at Indiana Cares. I have talked to her over the years as we both worked in the non-profit world. She was such a bright, caring person. I’m so glad that she had such a wonderful family and the joy of having these two beautiful children. She truly left the world a better place for her being in it. God bless all of you.
Mike Eastman says
Don, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Kay McNeely says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Micha! God Bless
Polly McGinnis Christman says
So sorry for your loss. I was Deirdre’s AOPi daughter and met Tiffany on several occasions. Mr & Mrs Bogard, you raised very special daughters who have touched many lives. Tiffany’s family’s love was so evident throughout the blog. Thanks for sharing her story. She fought bravely and is in God’s arms now. My family & I are praying for your entire family. Please know you are all being lifted up by so many others. Love, Polly McGinnis Christman and family
Brenda Lawson says
We worked with Tiffany on the MS Dinner of Champions and I could not have been more impressed with her passion for this project and life in general. My heart breaks for her family as she was indeed a very special angel here on this earth. You will all be in my prayers.
Brenda Lawson, Assistant to Jim Morris, Indiana Pacers
Joyce Lesley Sylvester says
Don and Tiffany’s family
My heart goes out to you in your grief
Joyce
Deb Siener says
Yes I knew I would get the phone call but was hoping for a miracle or that it would be at a much later date. Micha, you will do a terrific job of raising the Askelson boys. Just be strong for them and yourself. I know it will be hard but you are the person to do this job. Anything you need, just call. Tiffanys warrior people will step up to the plate with your needs. Remember you are no good if you do not take care of yourself.
Many hugs and much love,
Deb
Sandra Hakanson says
Tiffany was here such a brief time yet her gifts to her family and her community will remain forever.
My heart is with you all as you celebrate her life.
Sandra Hakanson
Carol Scanlon says
My deepest sympathy to Micha and to both families. Tiffany was here such a brief time but her smile warmed the hearts of those of us who had the blessing to meet and know her. May God be with you all.
Carol Scanlon
Chuck Williams says
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Deborah L Bogard says
Dearest Deirdre, Jane, Don, Micha, Cooper and Henry,
My heart is full of sadness and grief. Please know how much Tiffany was and is part of my heart and memories. I miss you all so much and pray for comfort and memories of joy and laughter in this trying time. I love you all. Shaman, Achilles and I are sending warm, strong and loving thoughts and strength your way. I wish I could be there with you. She will always be Tiffy to me, and every time I say it, she makes me smile. Blessings to you all, Love and Hugs, Deborah Bogard, Shaman and Achilles Wynn
Erin Leraris says
Micha and family, I wish I could be there today. Instead I will be thinking of Tiffany as I keep my previously scheduled mammogram appointment. I so deeply admire Tiffany for her indomitable spirit and her family for their indomitable strength. May we hold you up during this time of grief and loss.
Adele says
From my family with our deepest regrets. Wished I had met this beautiful lady in person. If she was anything like her sister, I know she was one of GOD’s angel. With Love
Dawn OFriel says
Tiffany was still in college when I met her. She was a field canvasser at the Citizen’s Action Coalition and helped train me. She was a passionate, pretty young woman and we worked together in several different capacities over the course of several years. When she began to work with those stricken with AID’s and Indiana Cares, it was very obvious that her life would always be spent serving others. On a lighter note, I remember well her great love of quiche and her beloved cats. Her pumpkin bread recipe (still in my possession, written in her handwriting) is one of my favorites and I think of her every fall when I pull it out of my book to make. Oh, I am truly saddened to her of her untimely death. My sincerest condolences to her husband, children, parents, and sister. I will remember you in my prayers.
Elise Hertz says
I haven’t seen Tiffany in over 15 years, but she made a real impression on me. I have rarely known anyone with a bigger heart. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.
Scott Paten says
My deepest sympathy to all of Tiffany’s family.
After many years, I thought of her on this birthday
only to very sadly learn of her passing.
She will always be remembered as a blessing.