Michelle Leah “Micki” Lara, 48, of Sioux City died of cancer on March 31, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center.  A celebration of Michelle’s life will be held Saturday, April 7, at 10:00 a.m. at CrossPointe Church (2300 W 19 ^th St in Sioux City). A luncheon will follow.

Michelle discovered her professional passion in nursing. She gave the highest standard of care for 14 years a surgical nurse at Mercy Medical and later at Dakota Dunes Surgery Center. After a traumatic brain injury from a motorcycle accident in 2009, and after having part of her brain removed and enduring left-side paralysis, Michelle fought her way back to life. She went through years of rehabilitation, and then bought a red tricycle to ride on the Missouri River Trail. In 2016 and 2017, she clocked over 5,000 miles per year and was honored as Outstanding Female Cyclist by the Siouxland Cyclist club.

In between rides, Michelle worked overtime to obtain a Bachelors degree in Nursing and a Master’s degree in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University. She almost finished her Doctorate in Nursing Education as well, researching and writing on topics like diabetes and optimization of surgical care. Her dream job was to be a surgical nurse educator—which was obvious in the days before her parting as she reviewed the protocol for a “No Code” and verified safety procedures and medications with the nurses.

An exceptional human being, Michelle triumphed over so many adversities. She taught us to get out there and live life, to summon the fight within, and to keep healthy and alive our connection with family.

Michelle is survived by her 99-year-old grandfather Tom Sanford of Mapleton, parents Sharon and Jerry Sanford, her five brothers (Mark, Michael, Matthew, Martin, and Monte), and her two children (daughter Larissa Lara and a son).

To carry Michelle’s mission forward, donations to the Siouxland Trails Foundation are welcomed.