The author, Audie W. Starkey was inspired by his daughter, Mandy Starkey's determination and strength while fighting cancer at 11 years old. Mandy was a St. Jude patient for 10 years, and he kept a daily journal on her life before and while she was a St. Jude patient. While writing this book it evolved into being more than solely about Mandy. Audie felt obligated to write about his father and his father's military career. He also wanted to include his very influential high school coach who is still to this day a very special friend in Audie's life. He feels very blessed and lucky that God gave him 3 heroes to shape him into the person he is today, and he felt a huge need to share their journeys.