I’ve known Megan (Hollywood) since we were both 16, working at Camp Oak Hills. Several summers there created a lifelong friendship and some of my most memorable experiences both at camp and outside it too. While
life eventually took us different directions, we managed to always stay in touch, connecting as often as we could. I will always remember our breaks down at the waterfront or the campfire, the swims across the lake, our drive to Pensacola, then later Myrtle Beach (so glad you quit there right away!!), that kick boxing class she made me try and our attempt at “jogging” in the mornings. Her family treated me always as family. She was a loyal friend, encouraging and supportive, and a listening ear often when I needed it most. Gone far too soon, she will be missed dearly. Love you Hollywood <3

This is a photo of my friend.. Megan Palmer, who lost her very short battle with liver cancer on January 8th. This smiling photo of her was from Thanksgiving weekend, before her rapid decline. I met Megan when she was about 7 years old through my friendship with her mother. Being born premature, she fought for life from day one. I distinctly remember trying to talk her out of her career choice of being a social worker. I argued that it would be heart-wrenching, making very little money. I was taken back by how assured the young girl was with her decision to help others. The soft-spoken girl went on to work for the poor and those dismissed by society. When I visited her the week after her diagnosis, I was shocked to see her sitting at the kitchen table working- trying to locate a relative to rehome displaced children. After learning of her tragic news, she was still working to help others. She embraced me with a hug and greeted me with a smile, as though she was there to comfort me. I reflect back on her life and realize that she was put here on earth to teach us about humanity- about serving others, without judgement and without reward. If we all had a small piece of her goodness, what a better world this would be. I am sure she has a special place in heaven. God Bless Megan’s parents in the loss of their only child. No one should have to bury a child. God Bless the Palmer family. Remember Megan's goodness forever!

Megan was my very best friend in early elementary school. We were always together until I moved from Midland to the Detroit area and even then we would try to get together now and then up until I went away to college. We were in Girl Scouts together, went camping together, took swim classes and I spent lots of time in her home and with her family. I remember the day we went to get her ears pierced. After they did the first one she totally freaked out and wouldn't let them do the second. She spent the whole afternoon with only one earing. Then at the end of the day we went back and she finally decided to let them do the second one. It took me many years before I was willing to get my own ears pierced after that day, though she kept trying to tell me afterwards that it really wasn't that bad.

Megan and I worked together at Barry County CMH. As I was starting my journey there, she was ending hers. During that time, she lovingly showed me the ropes of prevention. She shared fun tips, too, like the best local coffee shops. She introduced me to Pho and Kimchi and continued to share recipes, books, and podcasts and anything she thought I might be interested in even years after working together. She had a gift for making people feel seen and special just for being who they are. She was a huge advocate for community and her life became an expression of all the people she made feel connected and loved. Megan, you will be missed by all the people lucky enough to have known you. Cheers, friend!
Photo circa 2017. We were trying to come up with fun ways to remind youth to attend our youth group! *Egg Roll your way to the meeting tonight!* I can hear her laugh when I look at this picture.

Oh, My Dear Beautiful Megan! Hearts are heavy here in Barry County, as well as in every other place you went. You made the world a better, wackier, more interesting place. You taught me more than you will ever know. Someone famous once said, "I am a part of all that I have met". You are definitely a part of this community in Barry County, and in Livingston County, too. I am so proud of you and all that you always did to help others, to find joy, to find laughter (the kind that is not at anyone's expense), and to value the Underdog. I am not ready to live in a world without Megan Palmer in it. I pledge to work harder now, for you. Thank you for leaving a piece of you with me. Raspberry Beret, always.

My heart is saddened to know that my friend has been taken from me, and everyone too soon. However I know without a doubt she is in a better place and watching over all of her friends and family shinning down on us.
I met Megan years ago. I was a bartender at the time and enjoyed making up drinks and her being my guinea pig. Megan truly taught me a different way to enjoy life. Megan was full of adventure and getting me out of my shell and getting things done. Road trips to see new things, getting my first tattoo, and exploring new foods. This summer Megan and I achieved making beef wellington from scratch. It was the longest meal we have ever attempted but it was so great spending time laughing and saying "screw that, we are going it our own way". She will be missed and always loved.