User:Davecorby/Sondra Isaminger

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Sondra Isaminger (1956-2008)

A well-known and much beloved singer and community leader based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sondra Isaminger is also remembered for her humble nature, strong Christian faith and work with cancer victims and their families. Early Years: Sondra Isaminger was born the youngest of four daughters near Swindon, county Wiltshire, England (UK) December 27, 1956. Sondra’s father was Clarence “Sonny” Bracken and her mother was “Bobbie” Bracken. Sonny was serving in the US Air Force and was a notable welterweight boxer in his day. By age 12, Sondra and family had relocated briefly to Lincoln, Nebraska and then on to Albuquerque, New Mexico, the place she would eventually call home. Growing up in Albuquerque, Sondra attended Manzano High School where she quickly became a popular figure appearing in plays and singing publicly. By age 16, she was performing professionally with various local bands. During this time she also worked as a part time fashion model for local retailers. Isaminger’s true passion was singing and soon she was performing professionally, touring the west coast with various show bands.

Marriage and Faith: In 1982, while still traveling and singing professionally, Sondra met her future husband John Isaminger, an accomplished guitarist. For a brief period, the two embarked on the quintessential rock-and-roll life style embracing the highs and lows of life on the road. By 1984, after careful reflection on the physical and spiritual toll of their current lifestyle, Sondra and John approached a critical turning point in their lives. Sondra rediscovered her Christian faith and through her strength and example, John soon discovered his own devotion to Christ. On April 27, 1984, the couple was married at the Albuquerque County Court House. (Ten years later the now well-known couple would renew their vows at the Chelwood Park, Foursquare Church in front of numerous family and friends).

Family Life: In 1985, the Isamingers welcomed their first daughter, Victoria. In 1988, their second daughter Michelle was born. This time in Sondra’s life was characterized as the confluence of loving family time and a musical acropolis. Sondra’s career also included the position of executive director for the John Robert Powers Modeling Agency where she instructed models, produced fashion shows and hosted major events. Isaminger was a much sought after talent with a remarkable voice and stage presence effervescing with beauty and natural charm that few could resist. No one could have predicted the events that would follow, but through those trials, Sondra would realize her greatest gift of all.

Illness and reaffirmation: In 1995, at the age of seven, daughter Michelle was diagnosed with adrenal cortical carcinoma, a condition traced to a genetic tendency called Li-Fraumeni syndrome. After a painful and intensive treatment, Michelle died of the disease in December of 1996. Tragically, just five months later, Sondra herself was also diagnosed with a genetic form of cancer, also linked to Li-Fraumeni syndrome. These events would amount to an incalculable milestone in Sondra’s life. Determined to survive, Isaminger underwent treatment that sent her disease into remission. Always remaining positive and determined, the battle served to strengthen her faith and forged her resolve to help others going through the same experience. This resolution led to the creation of two lasting legacies of Sondra’s life, the musical group “Under the Influence” and her tireless devotion to many facets of community service, including those affected by cancer.

“Under the Influence” and other ministries:  With her cancer still in remission, Sondra launched into a campaign of community service and positive activism. The popular band “Under the Influence” was formed with her husband in 1997 and served as a vehicle for performing original music, quality cover songs and spreading the word of Christian faith and good will. Sondra’s inner and outer beauty, disarming personality and tireless enthusiasm proved the perfect combination for serving others in a variety of ways. With Calvary Chapel as a home base and Pastor Skip Heitzig as a friend and mentor, “Under the Influence” routinely organized fundraisers and events aimed at assisting individuals and families in need within the Albuquerque community. Under the Influence’s efforts included help for the homeless, education of New Mexican prison inmates, Native American outreach and other similar causes. Sondra herself founded the program “My New Attitude” aimed at empowering women to fight depression and self-esteem issues. The program enlisted women from all situations and walks of life.

Final Days: In 2003, Sondra’s cancer returned and with it an almost endless series of surgeries and other aggressive treatments at MD Anderson Cancer Hospital, Houston Texas as well as the Hematology Oncology Center in Albuquerque, NM. Though in constant pain, her once strong and passionate voice slowly failing, Sondra’s remained fiercely committed to her causes and stood as a lasting example and inspiration to those around her. On January 8, 2008, Sondra Isaminger passed away, dying a hero to the countless people her life had touched long the way. The funeral at Calvary Chapel of Albuquerque was attended by numerous family, friends and those she had served and inspired throughout her life. The event was also attended by local news media.

Sondra Isaminger Cancer Foundation:  Founded in 2009 by husband John Isaminger, the Sondra Isaminger Cancer Foundation seeks to assist those cancer victims and their families with non-medical needs while they receive treatment in Albuquerque. The foundation is designated 501-C3 (non-profit entity with donations qualifying as tax-deductible). The foundation is remembered for its biggest fundraiser to date on August 22, 2009 at the Albuquerque Hispanic Cultural Center featuring numerous New Mexico bands donating their time and talent for the cause. Husband John continues to champion the organization and stresses that the purpose is not only to provide for families in need, but to keep alive the wishes and the memories of his beloved wife, Sondra.

DCN Project: In late 2009, husband John Isaminger formed the band “DCN Project” (The acronym is the combination of Washington DC and Nashville, TN.  The group now includes Sondra’s and John’s daughter Victoria who performs lead vocals.  Her looks, talent and stage presence are reminiscent of her mothers’, and in their words, both are proudly continuing the “family tradition” of music and community service.  The band continues to play a variety of musical genres in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe area.   Victoria recently underwent genetic counseling and was found to not carry the gene for Li-Fraumeni syndrome.