Sheridan's Story

Sheridan Nicole Bautista, eight year old daughter of Jim and Melinda Bautista of Altus,Oklahoma was a bone cancer patient at the OU Children’s hospital. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma,a form of bone cancer, on March 9, 2011 and was in the care of  Dr. Jeremy White, her Pediatric, Orthopedic Surgeon and Dr. Chini Pokala her Oncologist. During her 9 month journey, Sheridan underwent a revolutionary surgery where she received an implant that would allow the growth of her left leg through the use of an electromagnetic field that would lengthen her leg without further surgeries.  Because of the size of Sheridan’s tumor, Dr. White had to remove 75% of her left femur and during this surgery; he put in this revolutionary implant successfully.

 Sheridan was selected to be one of the Children’s Miracle Network’s Miracle kids. She helped raise awareness of children’s cancers and other childhood illnesses at events like the Oklahoma City Rodeo and the CMN annual Radiothon. Sheridan story was also selected by the OU Children’s Hospital and was featured on billboards throughout the hospital during the months building up to the CureSearch Walk; a walk to raise funds for the Children’s oncology group. Throughout Sheridan’s entire journey, she was always giving towards others; she would give of her time and was never without a beautiful smile on her face. On December 8, 2011, Sheridan completed her journey and flew into the arms of Jesus at OU Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City.

Sheridan was born on September 16, 2003 in Altus, Oklahoma. She was a second grader at Navajo Elementary School. She was a dance student at Off the Wall Productions, and she loved her dance teacher Miss Leah very much. Sheridan was always dancing and singing where ever she went. When she was not at the dance studio, she was on the softball field with her Navajo teammates. She also enjoyed playing with her dogs Minnie and Mia. Sheridan would spend her Wednesday evenings at First Baptist Church with her fellow G.A.s (Girls in Action). She loved the Lord with her whole heart, and knew what it meant to be saved.

The biggest impact on lives still continues with family and friends. Her presence will live on through them and this foundation from now on. Her family will honor her life and the way she lived it through their lives. Those who had the honor of meeting Sheridan are better people because of her.

The measure of life cannot be judged on time. It can only be measured by the quality of the life one lives and the light one’s life projects onto others. With that, Sheridan led an amazing and productive life. She will be missed, but never forgotten by all who knew and loved her.