Maia Hansen Dies (Sister) − 21 June, 2001
After being diagnosed with uterine sarcoma two years ago, Maia and her husband, Clark Youmans, orchestrated their Orcas Island (WA) wedding, honeymooned in Peru and Bolivia, and traveled with family to Tahiti, Palau and Australia. Maia edited two novels by Jeff Greenwald and various Lonely Planet travel guides. During her illness, she maintained a full life, singing in a choir, playing soccer, leading yoga classes, scuba diving, instigating games and gatherings, and concocting delicious jams with her husband. Two weeks before her final hospital stay, Maia participated in a work weekend at Camp Norwester on John's Island (WA). Maia's heartbreakingly short life was characterized by this embracing of every moment.
Maia was born January 12, 1966 in Berkeley, CA. She leaves behind her husband Clark, mother Jennifer Hopkins, father, Jorgen Hansen, brothers, Thayer, Soren, Leif, and James, sister Jennifer, and beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws and a multitude of friends who have been touched and inspired by her vibrancy, courage and determination. As one friend wrote, "Maia was like sunshine."
Donations in Maia's name may be sent to: Orcas Island Pottery, U.C. Berkeley's School of Journalism, Dartmouth College Tucker Foundation or any organization which reminds you of Maia's effervescence.
Maia Hansen Memorial Fund Established
Healing Waters is honored to establish a Memorial Fund in the name of Maia Hansen, the wife of long time Healing Waters volunteer raft guide Clark Youmans. Maia bravely fought cancer for years before passing away under the loving watch of Clark on June 21st. Maia was an extraordinary woman and herenergy, enthusiasm, love, courage and kindness were felt by many. At Clark's request, donations to this Fund will be set aside to purchase a whitewater raft that will bear Maia's name. This raft will take hundreds of people with AIDS or cancer into the wilderness every year on Healing Waters' trips. It is our hope that this raft will bring the joy, laughter and love that
Maia and Clark shared on so many rivers to people who continue to fight cancer today. To make a donation to the Maia Hansen Memorial Fund you may make an online donation at www.hwaters.org or call Cale Siler at (415) 621-7529.
