Michelle Boulware won statewide honors from the California PTA for this essay about her mother Sandy's battle with cancer:

Michelle Boulware (front) won an award for this essay about her mother’s battle with cancer.

Last year I was told that my mother has cancer. She has gone through a lot, but she is very strong. My mom was having a hurt neck and going to a doctor. She thought she hurt it when we moved. One day me and my sister came home from school and we found out that my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. My sister and I could not believe it.

My mom went to City of Hope and they have helped her a lot. She had tests done and it was true. City of Hope has been good to us, especially my mom's friend, Dr. Laura. My mom really looks up to her, and Dr. Laura has been very good to her. My mom had surgery and Dr. Laura was by her side every step of the way. My mom was in the hospital for five days. My dad did a lot around the house to help us. He is very strong too.

My mom promised me that when she was feeling better she would take me horseback riding. This year we went to June Lake in our motor home. We went in the lake and my mom swam to the rock and sat on it. It was so cool that she could do that. It was a wow moment. While we were at June Lake, I got my horseback ride with my mom!

My family believes in God. We love Him and we know that He is going to heal my family. We pray every night for my mom. She is doing so much better. We know that lots of people are praying for her. Prayer really helps.

Michelle Boulware   
Oak Mesa Elementary School
Third Grade