Tammy Kay Heimbuch Prischmann was born on October 29, 1963, in Valley City, North Dakota, and passed away at the age of 55 on April 29, 2019, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. She was raised on a farm near Oriska, North Dakota. She attended kindergarten through 10th grade in Oriska and graduated from Oak Grove High School Fargo in 1982. After that, Tammy attended North Dakota State University for two years and graduated from Valley City State in 1986 with a business degree. She got married at First Lutheran Church in Fargo and had two daughters, Courtney and Kaitlyn. She was employed for a time at the Credit Union and then from 1999 until 2018, Tammy worked in the mental health division of the Veterans Administration in Fargo.
In September of 2016, Tammy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Later, she sought care from Mayo Clinic and the Roger Maris Cancer Center. She went through multiple rounds of chemotherapy in Fargo along with radiation in Rochester. Tammy then underwent surgery at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, where surgeons performed the Whipple procedure. Following her surgery, Tammy went through several smaller surgeries and procedures for repair and many months of semi-recovery. Throughout her journey with battling cancer, Tammy was determined to help and uplift other patients facing pancreatic cancer.
Tammy celebrated the “dash” in her life, that is the time between her birth and the day she went to be with the Lord. She loved being outdoors, spending time at the lake, walking, gardening, cooking, and participating in family activities. She also enjoyed reminiscing about growing up on the farm, attending school, and spending time with her friends and family. She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church – North and had been a part of Beginning Experience and cancer support groups. Her significant other, Mark, was with her in Rochester and will remain close to her family. His help and support was truly a Godsend.
To many, Tammy’s cancer journey may seem hopeless. But amidst the valleys, Tammy was full of hope and found her strength in God. Through her trials, she radiated perseverance, bravery, and faith. She was and still is an inspiration to many.
Follow this link to see the WDAY news story on Tammy when she was first diagnosed:
https://www.inforum.com/news/4252649-new-pancreatic-cancer-research-ndsu-brings-mother-hopeVisit Purple Helping Hands, a project and community founded by Tammy and continued by her family in her memory:
https://purplehelpinghands.wixsite.com/ca19 
