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: Phyllis W.

This is about my baby sister, Phyllis W.

The youngest of nine children, she was the epitome of the baby in our family. Everyone looked out for her, especially me. We were the closest in age and also best friends. At the age of 35, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, stage 4. She had two small children and was a single mom. I remember going to the oncologist for the first time with her. Her only question to the doctor was: 'Let's get going…what do I have to do? I have two kids I need to live for.'

For three years she fought a hard fight, through her chemo, then removal of a brain tumor, then to being in a wheel chair as the cancer moved into her spine. Throughout she was positive and wanted to be there for her children and my parents. Her fight was long and hard, but she lost this fight in July of 2000. To this day her children remember her as a courageous and strong person. I see her as loving all of us so much to that she was willing to go through all she did—to live her life for her children. My hero is my sister but also my niece Brittany and nephew Michael, who all are strong in the challenge of life.

Story was submitted anonymously