She’s not one to walk into a room. She sashays into a room. She owns the room.  

People don’t just notice her — they are entranced by her. 

She may be petite but she’s got this larger than life personality. Within the first minute of meeting her you can’t help but realize that she is a force of nature. 

And when she dreams? Of course she dreams big. She was a track star in high school. She was a cheerleader for the Arizona Cardinals. She has been a lead singer for a number of popular bands in Arizona for more than 10 years. In fact, she’s performed throughout the United States and even abroad. THIS VIDEO is proof that she can not only pack a venue but whip the crowd into a state of fun and frenzy.

Honestly? I didn’t like her when I first met her during the (hubby’s family) Thanksgiving extravaganza of 1997.  I felt incredibly threatened by her. Here was this outgoing, georgous woman with amazing hair, a perfect figure, and limitless talent standing within inches of me. I was overwhelmed by her confidence. I’d never met anyone like her. She had this amazing energy and charisma! She represented all the things I so desperately WANTED to be but wasn’t. 

One day, I finally admitted to myself that I was insanely jealous of her. Being brutally honest with myself gave me clarity. I wasn’t just jealous of her appearance or accomplishments but of her ambition and attitude. Once I admitted that, I saw how much I could learn from her. I began to follow her career with great interest and excitement. Like the rest of Marc’s aunts, uncles, and cousins, I was cheering her on. I was very proud of her and envisioned the day I’d hear her voice on the radio.

And then she got cancer. She didn’t know it though. She brushed off symptoms because she didn’t have health insurance. Her symptoms became more prevalent over time. When she finally saw the doctor, in late 2005, she was told her cervical cancer was at a Stage 4. It had spread to her abdomen and lymph nodes.

She quit performing and underwent chemo, radiation and a few surgeries. She focused her energies on beating her cancer.  She was fiercely determined to grace the stage again.

In mid-December of 2007, doctors told her there was nothing more they could do.  They gave her a week to live. She was transferred to hospice. But she never gave up fighting. She, her parents, sister, fiance, extended family and friends never stopped hoping. They never stopped praying for a miracle. 

She survived the week. She was even strong enough to move back into the home she shared with her fiance.  She survived another week. She was able to attend Christmas festivities with her family. She survived the month. And then another. And then another. No matter how tired… No matter what disappointing news the doctors threw at her… She never stopped fighting. She never surrendered.

But today, on Easter Sunday, her body stopped working. She was 34.

My heart aches for Amanda, her parents, sister Ashley, fiance Gary, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. I didn’t know her well but I’m grateful for our brief encounter. She had no idea of the precious gift she gave me. She’s a shining example on how to pursue one’s passion –  and to live, as well as love, with everything you have.  To me, that is the essence of Amanda Star.  

As many people know cancer not only leaves a wake of heartbreak but also monumental medical expenses. Donations are greatly appreciated. Click on this site for more information.