Who Is Your Hero?

Do you have a personal hero? Tell us about them. It doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Your Everyday Hero: My Best Friend's Mom.

My best friend's mom is the person that exemplifies so many wonderful values such as courage, helping others, humility, love, and faith. She was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 8 years old. She had double mastectomies, chemo, radiation…lost her hair, was sick and all the things so many women go through. She went into remission, it came back in other areas and she underwent more surgeries, chemo and radiation. This continued until I was 19 when she lost the battle and passed away.

Throughout the entire battle, she never complained, she continued her volunteer work at a store that raised money for people with disabilities. She continued to be the driver of the neighborhood kids to activities, continued to host parties, and to care for others when they were sick. (I had mono and my parents were out of town—she came to stay and care for me saying, 'So what if you are contagious? Do you really think that could hurt me right now?')

No one has ever exhibited the courage and dignity that she did through her whole life. She was the most loving and giving and selfless person I have had touch my life.

Story was submitted anonymously