The Warrior Team
Michelle Love, President and Co-Founder
Being a mother has always been my greatest calling. I’m a proud mama bear to two incredible, world-changing children.
After losing my son, BJ, I set out to create something meaningful from the heartbreak. My mission is to bring light into the world of childhood cancer—to share love, live authentically through pain and joy, and be a living example that beauty can emerge from even the deepest tragedy.
I’ve witnessed the good that continues to grow from BJ’s life, the faith that carried us through his fight with cancer, and the strength my daughter Carly and I draw on every day as we navigate our loss. I carry forward BJ’s powerful message of faith through adversity and share his story to inspire others to keep going...even when it’s hard.
Carly Love, Co-Founder, Vice President
Carly is BJ’s younger, and only sibling. Just three and a half years apart in age, Carly looked up to her big brother and was often found tagging along with him and his friends. At just 11 years old, she faced the unimaginable: witnessing BJ’s passing. Since then, she has navigated her grief with quiet strength, grace, and remarkable resilience.
In 2023, Carly graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and earned her associate’s degree in Business Administration from Gaston College, all before starting her next chapter at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in three majors and a minor, while working as an actuary. She is also determined to pass three actuarial exams before her May 2026 graduation date. She has two of those already!
Beyond academics, Carly is a creative force. She runs her own small business, CarlyAnnaCrafts, where she designs and sells original crochet patterns.
The Executive TEAM
Cherie Parks (middle) – Treasurer
Cherie Parks, CPA, serves as the Treasurer of Stand Firm Warrior Foundation. Her friendship with Michelle began in 2011 when their sons, BJ and Matthew, played on the same basketball team. The boys quickly became close—often mistaken for brothers—and so did their moms. Michelle and Cherie became "sister-friends," bonded by shared laughter, life’s challenges, and eventually, heartbreak.
When BJ was diagnosed with leukemia, Cherie lovingly stepped in to help care for Carly, earning the nickname “2Mom.” Her loyalty, steadiness, and deep compassion have been an anchor through the darkest seasons. There is no greater gift than true friendship.
Rosetta Barrick (left) – Secretary
Rosetta Barrick joined the Stand Firm Warrior family as Secretary, but her connection to Michelle and Cherie goes far beyond titles. Their friendship began in 2012, when their sons played football together, and quickly grew into a lifelong bond.
When BJ fell ill, Rosetta was a vital source of support—strong, unwavering, and full of grace. Together, Michelle, Cherie, and Rosetta formed a “steel magnolia” sisterhood: a trio bonded not just by circumstance, but by love, loyalty, and shared purpose. True blessings come when friends become family.
ANDREW BEARD
We welcomed a new Executive Board member, Andrew Beard, in September 2025.
Andrew Beard is a Lincolnton native who now calls Denver, NC home. He works as an Account Executive at Duke Energy, where he manages strategic initiatives and builds strong relationships with some of Duke’s largest commercial and industrial customers. Andrew earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from UNC Charlotte and later completed his MBA at UNC Pembroke.
Beyond his career, Andrew is passionate about giving back to the community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Lincoln County United Way, supporting programs that strengthen the health, education, and financial stability of families across the county.
When he’s not working or volunteering, you can usually find Andrew outdoors—skiing in the winter, spending summer days out on the lake, or just enjoying time with friends and family.
New P-I-C (Puppy In Charge)
We still miss our almost-14-year-old PIC, Lucy Love, but Theodore Winston Love is learning to fill in the gaps. "Teddy," a toy poodle, was named after the Build-a-Bear that BJ received in the hospital and named "Ted".
Like most well-loved pets, Theodore Winston has many nicknames. He is truly a bundle of bright light and love!