IN LIEU OF SERVICE THIS NEWSLETTER IS BEING DEDICATED TO KAY HOLIDAY
OUR BELOVED SECRETARY
By Cherie Sato
I have decided to dedicate this newsletter to our very good friend Kay Holiday who passed away February
13, 2005. She was a very sweet, loving woman who thought of everyone but herself. When I took over
the TN group one of the things Kay told me I needed to do was call her and bug her about the newsletter
so that it would get out on time. Well, I wasn’t going to do that. I had so much faith in Kay I was afraid
that I would be bothering her and that was the last thing I wanted to do. Kay was always busy and very
dedicated in what she was doing. So, I knew she would get the newsletter out on time, and it did. Kay
was like a professional at her job though she would tell me she always wanted it to be better. I would
tell Kay we weren’t professional and everyone loved the job that she did with the newsletter. It was the
best newsletter out there.
I believe it was 1997 when I started going to the TN support group so I have known Kay since then. I
have some giant shoes to fill with her gone. I gave her a thank you card at Christmas time for all her
hard work that she has been doing. She asked me, “does this mean that you don’t want me to write the
newsletter anymore?” I said, “NO WAY!!” She thought she was being fired! There weren’t enough
thanks in the world to give to Kay for what she did for the TN world and for everyone. Here is a little
background about Kay and some thoughts from people that have known Kay over the years. And Kay
had friends all over! I asked for a paragraph from anyone who wanted to participate and with all of them
added together it’s a lot. We all had one thing in common, Kay’s smile, thoughtfulness, enthusiasm,
and many other words to describe Kay. She love to read, do research and take notes VERY fast. What
great memories we all will have of Kay Holiday.
In loving memory, Cherie Sato, Support Group Leader
.
Kay went through several extreme bouts of pain, during which time she could not talk, eat, sleep, or
function. After seeing innumerable doctors, she finally had micro vascular decompression surgery in
Pasadena in 1965, which left her pain-free for 13 years.
She left this world, having touched the hearts of many. She was a kind-hearted, playful person, who was
interested in everyone and everything. Many will miss her, but it is comforting to know that she passed
peacefully and quickly without addition suffering.
Having suffered from this excruciatingly painful condition for almost 60 years, Kathleen dedicated her life
to helping others by providing loving support, research and information. She worked tirelessly for the TN
Association, acting as its San Diego co-support group leader and secretary, organizing educational
medical lectures, and producing the informational newsletter. President Bush recognized her in 2004,
receiving a “Point of Light” award for her volunteer work and leadership.Kay’s Family
Kay Holiday was a wonderful friend and a special person who will always be missed but never replaced.
She understood the need for those of us who can to help those who are suffering and she was always
willing to give of her time and her energy. She played a major role in founding and maintaining the San
Diego Support Group for Trigeminal Neuralgia patients and spouses, particularly with her work on the
News Letter. I will always remember her as an example of how much a single individual can do to make
the world a better place. John F. Alksne MD
As I look back over the years since the San Diego TNA Support Group was first formed in the lounge
area of a motel in Old Town Kay always stands out as one of the major supporters of this effort. I will
always think of her in conjunction with Bill Buchan as the dynamic duo who gave their all to see that the
group had the information and support available for all who turned to the group for help. Kay's dedication
to the production of the support group's newsletter provided a very stable and essential resource for all. I
t also provided an on-going source of income which covered the many local operational expenses and
truly made the continued efforts of the group secure. Kay's concern for the pain of others and her
commitment to do all that she could to help make a difference in their lives was clearly evident to all. All
who have known her will sorely miss her both within the group she so strongly served. She was a true
friend of TNA.
Claire W. Paterson, TNA Founder/President Emeritus
334 Devon Way, West Chester, PA 19380
Dear sweet Kay Holiday………she was such a sweetheart and loved doing for other people and
especially when it came to the cause of Trigeminal neuralgia. I’ll never forget several years ago
when we took she and Bill Buchan to dinner along with Claire Paterson. Claire was in San Diego for the
big Neurology Conference. Kay drove them to the restaurant in La Jolla and when they arrived at the
restaurant it was hysterical listening to Claire and Bill talk about what a “ride” she took them on. But she
always got to where she was headed it was just the passengers who were a little worried. I loved
hearing her talk about her travels. She was a very interesting lady. She was so good to Bill too but they
used to squabble like an old married couple. They both worked so so hard on behalf of the San Diego
TN group and expected nothing in return.
There is a big void now with Kay gone and how we will miss the wonderful job she did with the
newsletter……..
Kay we miss you, Marcia Morrell, Patient Coordinator, San Diego Gamma Knife Center
I had the honor of being Kay's neighbor during our elementary school years in Seattle Washington. We
lived near each other, and she was blessed by living in a huge beautiful gray mansion that I used to walk
by to admire. I have to share, that even in those early years, she always had a sweet smile on her face,
and walked on her tiptoes in a jaunty fashion. She and her brother Clifford were excellent students, and
were always friendly and caring, even in those tender young years. It seems an odd coincidence that
Kay and I have both suffered from tic douloureaux for the same number of years.
Since the beginning of the San Diego Support Group, we have had a wonderful chance to correspond
with each other, and renew our friendship. I loved this gentle woman, and will miss her
terribly. Lovingly, Norma Zimmer
Kay Holiday – what the name means to me. Playing with Elvis, her poodle, entertaining friends and
sisters at her home, so proud of her daughter and son’s families. Taking care of a friend in her home for
three days, following life saving surgery, talking for hours to TN suffers and helping find solutions for
their pain. Dodging bicyclist on Genesee on our way to TN meetings. Doing any job she had to do no
matter how difficult.
When Kay moved to San Diego was my lucky day. She transferred her membership in Beta Sigma Phi to
my Chapter and I learned about the TN Support group. We had so many good times and she was such
a wonderful friend. Always unselfishly thinking and doing for others. When I thanked her she was
always humbly surprised. I am so glad to treat her to lunch the Thursday before she left on her cruise.
My life is so much richer for having had her for a friend and sister.
Kay is receiving our Sorority PACE Award. Participation, Attitude, Commitment,
Enthusiasm. Bettie Stapleton
When I first met Kay she had this beautiful smile. She asked for me to get involved with the Support
Group. She needed someone to go with her to man the National Trigeminal Support Group's booth for a
neurosurgeon convention. Dr. Peter Jannetta attended the seminar and came by the booth, as did some
of the local doctors. Not to many of the doctors were interested in our booth since it was off in a corner.
Kay was able to educate me with her history with TN and about the support group (since I was a new
member). At the next convention held in San Diego Kay was upset :-). My wife helped man the booth
and Kay did not. Kay and I kidded my wife about Kay being the other woman and kidded her about what
Kay and I did at the first convention. Kay would always have a smile and a great laugh. I will miss her
hugs. She will always be remembered - to bad there are not more Kay's in this world.
Don Gilliland
Kay always had a smile on her face, and she was kind and generous. I met Kay many years ago, when
TNA was just getting started. We shared a common background, both having worked in the legal field
and both the authors of our respective support group newsletters. Kay and I enjoyed writing the
newsletters and exchanged many ideas and articles over the years. Through Kay's dedication and
efforts the San Diego support group newsletter set the "standard" for all of the other support groups to
follow. We kept track of each other by email's and phone conversations as to our personal lives and
support group activities. I admired Kay in all that she did for others and considered her a mentor and
friend. I am sure I join all of you in saying we miss her being a part of our lives.
Sincerely, Audrey E. Parker, Alaska contact person formerly support group leader.
I had been finally diagnosed with TN about 4 years ago. Most of the digging out of the information had
been through the Internet rather than the Doctors. I had to convince them that I indeed had TN. But having
TN and not know where to turn was the difficult part. I was living in the Albany New York area at the time
and had found out about the Association and the various locations around the country that had support
organizations. I first contacted those that were in New York State. As conditions would have it, the local
organization disbanded, and the nearest ones work a minimum of 100 miles away. I tried to get
information by phone but nothing really substantial happened. I started to look at other areas that had TN
groups. Since I had lived in San Diego for 8 years earlier in my life, I contacted Kay. She was very helpful
in assuring me that I wasn't alone, and was able to include me in their newsletter distribution. I thought
this was a marvelous way of getting pertinent information out and also a way of humanizing it by
including the latest goings on of others suffering from TN. Kay was a beacon of light for me.
I'm still fighting the TN by taking Tegretol and other pills. I have not reached the point of having to
undergo a procedure to "solve" the problem. I occasionally get to San Diego and once last August I
attended your monthly meeting.
Ever grateful to Kay, Bill Starr, Henderson (Las Vegas), Nevada
I can't think of a time when I saw Kay Holiday that she didn't have a smile on her face. She was always
unfailingly sweet and willing to help. I have never told anyone this story before but right after my MVD Kay
talked to me about going on a trip with her. I told her that it would be lovely but I had so many personal
and financial problems at that time that I just couldn't consider it. Without hesitating for a second, Kay
said, "If you need money, Carol, I would be happy to loan it to you." I was in awe that she would offer to
do that. I thanked her and told her how wonderful she was to think of helping me, but that I would
somehow work it all out. I have never forgotten her generosity in offering to help someone that she only
knew through the TN Support group. I think the very fact of her offering helped me to sort out what I
needed to do to change my situation. So I shall be eternally grateful to Kay and remember her with
love. Carol Hayden
When I was diagnosed with TN I was like everyone that hears that, first Denial the Fear. A customer of
mine that was a nurse at the time was the one that told me about the support group NONE of the Dr.’s or
dentists I had seen mentioned it. When I called I actually talked with Bill Buchan (group leader at the
time) and was invited to the meeting and that’s when I met Kay. Bill and Kay worked many health fairs
around the county and I was lucky enough to help out a few times naturally our booth being the TN
booth. Come rain or shine they were there with a lot of Great info for all and with a bowl of candy kisses
as one of the things that tends to be a “trigger point” for a lot of us is a kiss and the candy got the people
to ask all kinds of questions. I was listening to Kay at one of the health fairs explains to a woman what
the disorder is and that help is out there. I knew right from the beginning that she really wanted to have
as much information for anyone who wanted or needed it. I was one of many that she helped with all the
information she had and for that I will always be grateful. One paragraph just isn’t enough for such a
thoughtful giving LADY. GOD BLESSES HER NOW for all she has done for all of us.
Bobbi Ferris
Return to Archives
OUR BELOVED SECRETARY
By Cherie Sato
I have decided to dedicate this newsletter to our very good friend Kay Holiday who passed away February
13, 2005. She was a very sweet, loving woman who thought of everyone but herself. When I took over
the TN group one of the things Kay told me I needed to do was call her and bug her about the newsletter
so that it would get out on time. Well, I wasn’t going to do that. I had so much faith in Kay I was afraid
that I would be bothering her and that was the last thing I wanted to do. Kay was always busy and very
dedicated in what she was doing. So, I knew she would get the newsletter out on time, and it did. Kay
was like a professional at her job though she would tell me she always wanted it to be better. I would
tell Kay we weren’t professional and everyone loved the job that she did with the newsletter. It was the
best newsletter out there.
I believe it was 1997 when I started going to the TN support group so I have known Kay since then. I
have some giant shoes to fill with her gone. I gave her a thank you card at Christmas time for all her
hard work that she has been doing. She asked me, “does this mean that you don’t want me to write the
newsletter anymore?” I said, “NO WAY!!” She thought she was being fired! There weren’t enough
thanks in the world to give to Kay for what she did for the TN world and for everyone. Here is a little
background about Kay and some thoughts from people that have known Kay over the years. And Kay
had friends all over! I asked for a paragraph from anyone who wanted to participate and with all of them
added together it’s a lot. We all had one thing in common, Kay’s smile, thoughtfulness, enthusiasm,
and many other words to describe Kay. She love to read, do research and take notes VERY fast. What
great memories we all will have of Kay Holiday.
In loving memory, Cherie Sato, Support Group Leader
.
Kay went through several extreme bouts of pain, during which time she could not talk, eat, sleep, or
function. After seeing innumerable doctors, she finally had micro vascular decompression surgery in
Pasadena in 1965, which left her pain-free for 13 years.
She left this world, having touched the hearts of many. She was a kind-hearted, playful person, who was
interested in everyone and everything. Many will miss her, but it is comforting to know that she passed
peacefully and quickly without addition suffering.
Having suffered from this excruciatingly painful condition for almost 60 years, Kathleen dedicated her life
to helping others by providing loving support, research and information. She worked tirelessly for the TN
Association, acting as its San Diego co-support group leader and secretary, organizing educational
medical lectures, and producing the informational newsletter. President Bush recognized her in 2004,
receiving a “Point of Light” award for her volunteer work and leadership.Kay’s Family
Kay Holiday was a wonderful friend and a special person who will always be missed but never replaced.
She understood the need for those of us who can to help those who are suffering and she was always
willing to give of her time and her energy. She played a major role in founding and maintaining the San
Diego Support Group for Trigeminal Neuralgia patients and spouses, particularly with her work on the
News Letter. I will always remember her as an example of how much a single individual can do to make
the world a better place. John F. Alksne MD
As I look back over the years since the San Diego TNA Support Group was first formed in the lounge
area of a motel in Old Town Kay always stands out as one of the major supporters of this effort. I will
always think of her in conjunction with Bill Buchan as the dynamic duo who gave their all to see that the
group had the information and support available for all who turned to the group for help. Kay's dedication
to the production of the support group's newsletter provided a very stable and essential resource for all. I
t also provided an on-going source of income which covered the many local operational expenses and
truly made the continued efforts of the group secure. Kay's concern for the pain of others and her
commitment to do all that she could to help make a difference in their lives was clearly evident to all. All
who have known her will sorely miss her both within the group she so strongly served. She was a true
friend of TNA.
Claire W. Paterson, TNA Founder/President Emeritus
334 Devon Way, West Chester, PA 19380
Dear sweet Kay Holiday………she was such a sweetheart and loved doing for other people and
especially when it came to the cause of Trigeminal neuralgia. I’ll never forget several years ago
when we took she and Bill Buchan to dinner along with Claire Paterson. Claire was in San Diego for the
big Neurology Conference. Kay drove them to the restaurant in La Jolla and when they arrived at the
restaurant it was hysterical listening to Claire and Bill talk about what a “ride” she took them on. But she
always got to where she was headed it was just the passengers who were a little worried. I loved
hearing her talk about her travels. She was a very interesting lady. She was so good to Bill too but they
used to squabble like an old married couple. They both worked so so hard on behalf of the San Diego
TN group and expected nothing in return.
There is a big void now with Kay gone and how we will miss the wonderful job she did with the
newsletter……..
Kay we miss you, Marcia Morrell, Patient Coordinator, San Diego Gamma Knife Center
I had the honor of being Kay's neighbor during our elementary school years in Seattle Washington. We
lived near each other, and she was blessed by living in a huge beautiful gray mansion that I used to walk
by to admire. I have to share, that even in those early years, she always had a sweet smile on her face,
and walked on her tiptoes in a jaunty fashion. She and her brother Clifford were excellent students, and
were always friendly and caring, even in those tender young years. It seems an odd coincidence that
Kay and I have both suffered from tic douloureaux for the same number of years.
Since the beginning of the San Diego Support Group, we have had a wonderful chance to correspond
with each other, and renew our friendship. I loved this gentle woman, and will miss her
terribly. Lovingly, Norma Zimmer
Kay Holiday – what the name means to me. Playing with Elvis, her poodle, entertaining friends and
sisters at her home, so proud of her daughter and son’s families. Taking care of a friend in her home for
three days, following life saving surgery, talking for hours to TN suffers and helping find solutions for
their pain. Dodging bicyclist on Genesee on our way to TN meetings. Doing any job she had to do no
matter how difficult.
When Kay moved to San Diego was my lucky day. She transferred her membership in Beta Sigma Phi to
my Chapter and I learned about the TN Support group. We had so many good times and she was such
a wonderful friend. Always unselfishly thinking and doing for others. When I thanked her she was
always humbly surprised. I am so glad to treat her to lunch the Thursday before she left on her cruise.
My life is so much richer for having had her for a friend and sister.
Kay is receiving our Sorority PACE Award. Participation, Attitude, Commitment,
Enthusiasm. Bettie Stapleton
When I first met Kay she had this beautiful smile. She asked for me to get involved with the Support
Group. She needed someone to go with her to man the National Trigeminal Support Group's booth for a
neurosurgeon convention. Dr. Peter Jannetta attended the seminar and came by the booth, as did some
of the local doctors. Not to many of the doctors were interested in our booth since it was off in a corner.
Kay was able to educate me with her history with TN and about the support group (since I was a new
member). At the next convention held in San Diego Kay was upset :-). My wife helped man the booth
and Kay did not. Kay and I kidded my wife about Kay being the other woman and kidded her about what
Kay and I did at the first convention. Kay would always have a smile and a great laugh. I will miss her
hugs. She will always be remembered - to bad there are not more Kay's in this world.
Don Gilliland
Kay always had a smile on her face, and she was kind and generous. I met Kay many years ago, when
TNA was just getting started. We shared a common background, both having worked in the legal field
and both the authors of our respective support group newsletters. Kay and I enjoyed writing the
newsletters and exchanged many ideas and articles over the years. Through Kay's dedication and
efforts the San Diego support group newsletter set the "standard" for all of the other support groups to
follow. We kept track of each other by email's and phone conversations as to our personal lives and
support group activities. I admired Kay in all that she did for others and considered her a mentor and
friend. I am sure I join all of you in saying we miss her being a part of our lives.
Sincerely, Audrey E. Parker, Alaska contact person formerly support group leader.
I had been finally diagnosed with TN about 4 years ago. Most of the digging out of the information had
been through the Internet rather than the Doctors. I had to convince them that I indeed had TN. But having
TN and not know where to turn was the difficult part. I was living in the Albany New York area at the time
and had found out about the Association and the various locations around the country that had support
organizations. I first contacted those that were in New York State. As conditions would have it, the local
organization disbanded, and the nearest ones work a minimum of 100 miles away. I tried to get
information by phone but nothing really substantial happened. I started to look at other areas that had TN
groups. Since I had lived in San Diego for 8 years earlier in my life, I contacted Kay. She was very helpful
in assuring me that I wasn't alone, and was able to include me in their newsletter distribution. I thought
this was a marvelous way of getting pertinent information out and also a way of humanizing it by
including the latest goings on of others suffering from TN. Kay was a beacon of light for me.
I'm still fighting the TN by taking Tegretol and other pills. I have not reached the point of having to
undergo a procedure to "solve" the problem. I occasionally get to San Diego and once last August I
attended your monthly meeting.
Ever grateful to Kay, Bill Starr, Henderson (Las Vegas), Nevada
I can't think of a time when I saw Kay Holiday that she didn't have a smile on her face. She was always
unfailingly sweet and willing to help. I have never told anyone this story before but right after my MVD Kay
talked to me about going on a trip with her. I told her that it would be lovely but I had so many personal
and financial problems at that time that I just couldn't consider it. Without hesitating for a second, Kay
said, "If you need money, Carol, I would be happy to loan it to you." I was in awe that she would offer to
do that. I thanked her and told her how wonderful she was to think of helping me, but that I would
somehow work it all out. I have never forgotten her generosity in offering to help someone that she only
knew through the TN Support group. I think the very fact of her offering helped me to sort out what I
needed to do to change my situation. So I shall be eternally grateful to Kay and remember her with
love. Carol Hayden
When I was diagnosed with TN I was like everyone that hears that, first Denial the Fear. A customer of
mine that was a nurse at the time was the one that told me about the support group NONE of the Dr.’s or
dentists I had seen mentioned it. When I called I actually talked with Bill Buchan (group leader at the
time) and was invited to the meeting and that’s when I met Kay. Bill and Kay worked many health fairs
around the county and I was lucky enough to help out a few times naturally our booth being the TN
booth. Come rain or shine they were there with a lot of Great info for all and with a bowl of candy kisses
as one of the things that tends to be a “trigger point” for a lot of us is a kiss and the candy got the people
to ask all kinds of questions. I was listening to Kay at one of the health fairs explains to a woman what
the disorder is and that help is out there. I knew right from the beginning that she really wanted to have
as much information for anyone who wanted or needed it. I was one of many that she helped with all the
information she had and for that I will always be grateful. One paragraph just isn’t enough for such a
thoughtful giving LADY. GOD BLESSES HER NOW for all she has done for all of us.
Bobbi Ferris
Return to Archives
