Sandy's Project Hope

Her Story

More Than a
Board Member — Family

Sandy and Rexanna were the best of friends. They were college roommates. They traveled together, they took annual beach trips. They were family.

Sandy served as Vice President of Rexanna's Foundation from the start until she passed away in January 2023. She was a warrior in her passion for supporting patients and lung cancer advocacy. Sandy traveled with the Executive Director, Spain, to LungCAN meetings learning the latest in research and ways that Rexanna's Foundation could collaborate with organizations across the country. Sandy easily fit into any conversation, in any environment — anywhere. Her passion for others, her empathy, and desire to support were evident in every interaction.

Sandy and Rexanna met in their senior year of high school, became instant friends, and then roomed together when they both pursued education at Baylor University. Sandy earned a Bachelor's of Science in Education from Baylor and met the love of her life, David. Sandy spent many years teaching speech and P.E. at Goddard Junior High and then at The Hillander School, where their two children, Shelley and Sam, would spend their elementary school days.

Sandy enjoyed spending time playing tennis, making quilts for all of her favorite people, time at the lake, going to Hobby Lobby and Target, and countless hours spent at the beach with her toes in the sand. Eight years ago, when her first grandson was born, she became lovingly known as Cha Cha to her three favorite tiny humans, Silas, John David and Ella Claire. Sandy's commitment to and love of her family never wavered. She adored her husband, cherished her children, loved her children's spouses as if they were her own and dove head-first into her role as Cha Cha. Sandy spread laughter and light wherever she went and made every acquaintance her best friend. While Sandy leaves a legacy of joy and hard-work, she also leaves an incredible legacy of faith in God and a life-long love and commitment to her wonderful husband of 43 years. We will forever remember her resolute faith, seemingly endless energy, competitiveness, ever positive attitude, affinity for the biggest and brightest of everything — clothing, jewelry, decor, and life.

Sandy is survived by her husband, David Sledge of Midland; daughter Shelley Cunningham and husband Kyle of Midland; son Sam Sledge and wife Helen of Midland; sister Kim Harmon of Arlington; brother Kyle Harmon and wife Sheri of Mansfield; father Gordon Harmon of Mansfield; grandsons Silas and John David Sledge of Midland; granddaughter Ella Cunningham of Midland; and numerous nieces and nephews that she loved very much.

Sandy was very generous in the time she gave to others, whether formally through volunteering or just taking time for a few simple words of encouragement. Her availability to fill a need knew no bounds. Rexanna's Foundation is beyond honored to establish Sandy's Project HOPE.

By following the lead and modeling that Sandy established, our goal at Rexanna's Foundation is to create a division within our organization that is devoted to bringing HOPE and LOVE to patients battling cancer.