Amber VanVickle was a devout Catholic and mother of five children, two of whom have severe disabilities. She graduated in English from Franciscan University of Steubenville and her writings appeared in national publications. She lived in Pittsburgh with her husband Dave and her five children until her death from cancer on February 23, 2023.
Despite receiving a terminal diagnosis, VanVickle always stood at the foot of the cross, following the example of the Virgin Mary, exposing the reality of pain and anguish, finding solace in the suffering Christ, and offering Catholics a living reminder of what true love requires.
“Despite my burdens and my broken heart, because of my crosses, I was finally able to say to God: ‘I love you, always, always, always,’” she declared to the Register.