Last year my mom was nominated for this award by a co-worker of her’s, but the faith and strength my mom has shown through this journey throughout the past 55 months should be shown to anyone having a hard time. In November 2009 my mom, Sandy Butler, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma. On June 3rd, 2013, my mom underwent surgery again to remove tumor regrowth. Right after finding out a bad diagnosis there is a process each person goes through. First there’s the shock that of “Why is this happening to me?” then comes grief of wondering how you are expected to get through this. Then for my mom came strength and faith. Weeks after finding out her bad diagnosis she took a stand against this disease and decided to not let it consume her. Even though she has cancer she is the pillar of strength for my family, she is the person who has kept us strong during these hard 4 years. As her dad use to tell her and now she tells us, her three girls: “We have no choice but to play the hand we’re dealt.” My mom has fought this disease with so much strength. Never once in her journey has she given up, but has kept the faith that God will pull her through this and that he has a bigger plan for her than she knows quite yet. She is the strongest, most beautiful person I know both inside and out. I can only hope that I can grow into half the person she is. My mom is my hero and has kept the faith better than anyone I know. I am so blessed to have such an awesome, strong, faith-driven mom. Thank you for letting me brag about my mom. 

* January 16, 2015 we began honoring the memory of Sandy.