Roni’s Story

Site created on March 24, 2019


Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.


On May 29th, 2018, Roni's femur broke unexpectedly...while she was walking. The resulting fall also fractured her wrist.

We soon learned that her previously manageable form of leukemia had mutated into a very aggressive form of cancer known as Richter's Syndrome (https://www.leukaemia.org.au/disease-information/leukaemias/chronic-lymphocytic-leukaemia/richters-syndrome/)  . This serious complication weakened her bone to the point of snapping under normal pressure.

After my mom's broken leg and diagnosis of Richter's syndrome, she began receiving coordinated treatment from a doctor at the Mayo clinic along with her oncologist in Sioux Falls. As you may remember, Richter's is pretty nasty. However, after 5 or 6 months of medical care, it appeared, by all accounts, that her treatment was making real progress. A bone marrow biopsy in November 2018 showed a significant decline of both Richter's and CLL in her system.

Unfortunately, a PET scan in January and some further testing revealed a new mutation of the Richter's that was found in spots on her skeletal system in much of her body. It has advanced quite rapidly, which has weakened her bones and resulted in new fractures. She's currently at the Mayo Clinic as part of a clinical trial with the hope of degrading this newest mutation. A successful result would create enough remission that a bone marrow transplant would be possible. While we always remain hopeful, we're also aware of the severity of her current situation. We will do our best to keep you updated as able.

Newest Update

August 25, 2019

Journal entry by Jessie Finke —

Here is the link for my mom's obituary. 
Visitation is Wednesday from 5-7 pm, funeral is Thursday at 10:30 am. Burial will be Friday. 
Thank you for your love and support,  our family is overwhelmed with everyone's kindness they have shown us.

https://www.millerfh.com/obituary/roni-mootz
Read More of the journal titled "August 25, 2019"
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