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.
About us
Amanda Crews - President/Founder
I’m Amanda Crews, the proud president and founder of Sami Faith Foundation. On May 26, 2023, the world lost someone very special to me – my sister and best friend, Sami Pickens. She was a fighter who throughout her journey with Breast Cancer and Metastatic Breast Cancer never lost her faith, courage, or compassion for others. I created this non-profit organization to honor her memory and continue her legacy. Not only was she an amazing sister, mother, wife, daughter and friend but she was a faithful servant to The Lord and a blessing to anyone who knew her. Sami was a hard worker, a fierce advocate for the things she believed in, a kind heart and a bright light in this dark world. I look forward to sharing Sami’s story and testimony worldwide, keeping the mission and focus of this foundation faith based, and time spent on all the things Sami was fighting for.
If you would like to learn more about my sister through her words, please visit www.SamiStrong.net where you can find her blog posts through her cancer battle.
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Kacee Barnett - Secretary
I'm Kacee Barnett, the secretary of the Sami Faith Foundation. I met Sami at North Florida Regional Medical Center where we worked together as Pharmacist. She was my best friend and one of the best people I have ever known. God knew we were going to need each other, and although I wish I had so many more years with her by my side, I am thankful that I was able to be there for some of her hardest years. As much as the days hurt without her, she made my life better getting her for the time I did and making memories that will last my lifetime. Sami could make every person she encountered feel so special and loved. Her love for Jesus shined off of her. From the beginning of her cancer diagnosis, she wanted to find a way to use her story to help others build a relationship with Jesus, and be an advocate for other women going through the same battle. I can think of no better way to honor her than to continue to shine her light, bring others closer to Jesus, and find a way to end this terrible disease.
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Heather Stanley - Treasurer
I'm Heather Stanley, a dear friend of Sami who last knew me as Heather Ellis. We met at North Florida Regional Medical Center. Sami was a pharmacy student that I was blessed to mentor. After Sami's graduation from UF, she started her career as a pharmacist alongside me, where we quickly became close friends. I am thankful to have been through all of Sami's cancer diagnosis by her side and to have been a support to her family. So many have said, "to know Sami Pickens, was to love her." She had an incredible aura about her - her passion for faith, family, friends, and career were infectious. Sami made you want to be a better person by knowing her. I have been a proud supporter of the Sami Faith Foundation since Mandi first mentioned it to me. I look forward to serving on the board and am dedicated to bringing the same passion to help leave the world better than I found it, just like Sami did so gracefully.
Alexa pickens - Development Director
My name is Alexa Pickens, and I have the honor of serving as the Development Director. Sami was my cousin, but our bond was far deeper than a typical family connection—we shared a closeness that profoundly shaped my life. Although I was eleven years younger and we didn’t grow up side by side, Sami quickly became a guiding light and role model for me. There are many reasons to admire Sami, but two qualities stand out most: her unwavering courage in sharing her testimony to help others, and her deep, abiding love for our Lord. Sami faced unimaginable trials with steadfast faith and grace. Even in her darkest moments, she radiated hope and strength. Her legacy of light lives on through the mission of the Sami Faith Foundation. It is a privilege to serve on this board with all my heart, and to carry forward Sami’s story with the hope of offering support, healing, and encouragement to women and families navigating their own difficult journeys.