Sandy L. Christman was a Cardiovascular Surgery PA who died on June 3, 1999 at the age of 38 after a 12-year battle with breast cancer. To her friends, colleagues and family she will always be a powerful inspiration and an unforgettable person. Because she exemplified so many ideals worth emulating and promoting the Sandy Christman Foundation (SCF) was established.
Sandy thrived for more than 12 years following her diagnosis of breast cancer. During that time she underwent multiple operations and two bone marrow transplants. She was a living miracle, beating survival statistics, actively pursuing her career, while aggressively fighting cancer. Sandy possessed a unique combination of high energy, infectious enthusiasm, great clinical skills and an endless passion for life. The way Sandy fulfilled her clinical responsibilities and carried the burden of her disease became an inspiration to every one who knew her.
Sandy was an avid runner and used athletics to maintain her strength and mental fortitude. Twice she placed first in her age group in a 5-kilometer race for breast cancer awareness that honored her by name for several years. Through the long but progressive course of her disease Sandy continued to work tirelessly to help the sickest patients recover and go home.
The bittersweet irony of Sandy’s life is that as she died she continued to show us, and countless patients, how to live. Sandy truly made a difference in the lives of many people. SCF was established in 2000 to promote and honor her ideals and spirit.
