The Quiet Faces of Bravery

Sometimes the bravest people aren’t the loudest heroes—but the ones fighting their hardest battles in silence.

Bravery. We hear this word often to describe soldiers, firefighters, and police officers.  And yes, they are brave.  Without their bravery, we would all suffer.  These heroes fight for our safety and fight for our very way of life. We are grateful for them all. 

However, sometimes the bravest people are the most scared and most quiet. Sometimes bravery is not a choice but a requirement to survive. If you look around, you will find bravery in the most unsuspecting people.  

During my cancer journey, I realize my own healing was only possible by helping others.  I looked to others to find my bravery to endure the agony of the countless surgeries. So, I started the Keith the Cat Foundation with my family and friends.  This tiny foundation has led me to meet the greatest of heroes.  

Ryan: A Superhero of Kindness

First, I have met many people who are heroic in their fight against cancer. These folks stand strong in the face of brutal cancer treatments that cause excruciating pain. 

Yet, they still smile and have hope and are ready to fight another day.

I got to know my nephew, Ryan, on a deeper level. He exemplifies a hero.

He introduced me to Home Place of Texas, an organization that provide a haven for adults with special needs where they can be heard, flourish, and achieve their dreams. 

Ryan and his friends must face this harsh world everyday with bravery.  I asked Ryan what bravery meant to him, and he said heroes help each other because they care.  He referenced Superman and how he helps people.  Ryan said he cares for his friends, explaining he prevented one friend from falling by catching her. He says nice to another friend when he gets upset.  Ryan also loves to care for his dog Sandy. In a world where being mean is increasingly the norm, Ryan is the superhero of nice, compassion, and empathy.

Courage in the Face of Unimaginable Trauma

I also got to meet brave men and women at the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC) where I serve on the board. SARC serves to support all victims of sexual assault.

Just recently, SARCBV.org hosted a fashion show.  But this was different.  The models were sexual assault survivors who showcased what they wore when they were attacked.

I saw these brave survivors wear prom dresses, workout clothes, business suits, and the most devastating – children’s pajamas. 

Yes, some of these brave men and women were children when assaulted. Yet, they stand tall today.

Redefining What It Means to Be a Hero

Like my nephew Ryan said, Superman is a good example of bravery.  Because Superman helps other people. 

If you look around, you will see supermen and superwomen all around you – battling cancer, battling the injustices of the world, and battling violence. 

These people encompass bravery.

They are the real heroes.  

The Keith the Cat Foundation is humbled to know you all.

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Liz Sherman- Founder of the Keith the Cat Foundation

Elizabeth “Liz” Sherman is a 1991 graduate of Texas A&M University and has worked for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) for the past 25 years. Liz was hired as an imagery intelligence analyst covering regional and counterterrorism issues mostly in the African and Latin American regions.

She started the Keith the Cat Foundation to help those who are fighting cancer or any illness or battle. Her rescue cat, Keith, helped her get through her own battle with cancer. He was her constant companion who knew when she needed cuddles.

See all posts by Liz.