Community Hero 2007
Becky West
Becky, 18, is a beautiful young woman whose generous, selfless nature stands out above all else. She loves spaghetti, hanging out with friends, and going to the movies and the mall. Just two years ago her family moved to the country, where Becky looks after an abundance of beloved animal friends, including chickens, goats, ferrets, cats, rabbits, and two riding horses, Felix and Cody. Ask her in what subject she excels at school, and she’ll say “math.” Ask about her favorite tunes, and she’ll name “country music.”
Since her diagnosis of osteosarcoma with metastases in 2004, Becky has endured 12 thoracotomies, or major surgical procedures that open the chest wall. Subsequently, chemotherapy and radiation have taken up a large part of her life. Despite the daunting challenges of cancer treatment, Becky insisted on graduating from high school with her friends as scheduled. Although she suffered from pneumonia at the time, Becky proudly walked across the stage at her graduation ceremony – and received two standing ovations from her friends, family, and classmates.
That fact that she tires easily and gets sick all the time makes life more challenging than ever for Becky. But her situation never gets her down. “I’m a better person for it. I’ve grown up and matured faster. It’s made me realize what’s important and brought me closer to my family and true friends,” says Becky. Her kindness, compassion, and incredible persistence are the measure of real heroism.
