Why sami Faith Foundation?
Her faith became our mission.
Sami Pickens was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, pharmacist, and woman whose faith in Jesus shaped the way she lived... even through circumstances no one should have to face.
At just 28 years old, Sami was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer. She found the lump herself, caught it early, and was cured after a double mastectomy. Followed by a local recurrence about a year later. This time she underwent another surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and was cured again. Sami continued to fight, advocate for herself, and openly share her journey in hopes that what she was learning could help someone else.
In 2022, everything changed when Sami learned her cancer had returned as Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. There was no longer a finish line to treatment. Yet even in the uncertainty of an incurable diagnosis, Sami continued to live, love, serve others, and trust God.
Her story was never simply about how strong she was. Sami knew where her strength came from.
She surrendered her life and her circumstances to God, trusting Him even when His plan looked nothing like the one we would have chosen. Her faith didn't mean the journey wasn't painful or frightening. It meant she knew Who was holding her through it.
Sami went home to be with Jesus at just 32 years old.
After losing her sister and best friend, Sami's little sister, Mandi, founded the Sami Faith Foundation to continue the work Sami's life had already begun: helping others, advocating for those facing metastatic breast cancer, and pointing people toward the hope found in Jesus.
Today, Sami Faith Foundation provides support to families affected by Stage IV breast cancer, contributes to metastatic breast cancer research and education, supports ministries, provides Bibles, and shares the Gospel.
Sami's story is why we started. Jesus is why we continue.
What began through one woman's willingness to surrender her story to God continues as a mission to love people through some of life's hardest moments, serve them in tangible ways, and remind them that even in the darkest seasons, there is hope.
Sami's story didn't end when her life on earth did.
Her own words, experiences, treatment journey, and reflections remain preserved through Sami Strong. We invite you to read the story as Sami told it and learn more about the woman whose faith inspired this foundation.
READ SAMI'S FULL STORY AT SAMISTRONG.NET →
Our mission
Our mission at Sami Faith Foundation is to provide monetary resources for Stage IV breast cancer research, cancer patients, and children who lost a parent to the disease. Providing support to youth ministries worldwide. Working fearlessly to help others find Jesus and end cancer.
I want the devil each day of my forever to roll his eyes when my feet hit the ground knowing how much of an impact I am going to make on the kingdom of God each day.
Sami Pickens, 2022
Our TEAM
Sami Faith Foundation is powered entirely by volunteers who believe deeply in our mission. From our founder and board members to the volunteers who serve alongside us, no one receives a salary or compensation for their work. With no paid staff, 100% of the proceeds we raise go directly toward furthering our mission. We are simply a team of people willing to give our time and talents to serve others and glorify God through this work.
Mandi Crews
Founder/President
Kacee irby
Vice President/Secretary
Heather Stanley
Treasurer
Alexa pickens
Development Director
Jordanna Hammer
Outreach Coordinator
Jade haney
Tech Lead
travis muse
Director of Discipleship
Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."