With all the tragedies happening in the world, it’s refreshing to know there is still good in some people.
Rebecca “Becky” Rutherford was born on Oct. 5, 1980 with special needs — although these special needs never stopped her from accomplishing her goals of showing love to others.
With the mind of a 7-year-old, her innocent heart and spirit know no bounds. She embodies the phrase “Love like Jesus,” bringing light, joy, generosity and kindness to everyone she meets.
Rutherford has a strong faith in Jesus, which is unwavering and shows in all she does. She never meets a stranger and loves spending time with family and friends, as well as loving on animals. She also deeply believes in miracles, as she lives each day with gratitude and hope.
In 2023, she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Facing her diagnosis head-on, Rutherford underwent surgery and began chemotherapy treatment targeting tumors that had spread to her liver. Despite several treatment plans, the cancer continued to progress, eventually spreading to her lungs.
After much discussion between her family and medical team, the difficult decision was made to stop the treatments in hopes of improving her energy and quality of life. Rutherford continues to inspire those around her, as she loves only the way she could and believes the best in everything — all while still fighting the deadly disease.
Rutherford’s birthday is this coming Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, when she will turn 45. Her family and friends wanted to do something very special for her, so they decided to declare her birthday “Be Like Becky Day.”
This special day will be a call to action in her honor: for everyone to show compassion, to give selflessly, to spread joy, and most of all, to love like “Becky” does.
All are invited to live this day with her beautiful spirit in sharing acts of kindness through an encouraging word, choosing faith over fear, or lending a helping hand.
If you would like to honor Rutherford on her birthday through monetary donations, these are a few areas dear to her heart: the children’s ministry at Hamlet Church of God of Prophecy; the Richmond County Animal Shelter; or Krystal Dawn Retreat. You can also go to social media and hashtag #BeLikeBecky.
The world needs more Beckys.
Betty Gallo McIntyre is a contributor to the Richmond Observer.
