October 15th, 2026
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognize strength, share stories, and bring awareness to a cause that touches so many lives.
At Express Funeral Funding, we’re taking this opportunity to highlight Heather Garman, Vice President of Sales & Marketing the Messenger Co. Family.
From her leadership within the funeral profession to her recent appearance on EFF’s Funding Foundations podcast, Heather brings a passion for helping others to everything she does. Beyond her professional accomplishments, her personal journey with breast cancer has shaped a powerful perspective on strength, gratitude, and the importance of showing up for one another.
Leading with Purpose
For Heather, her role at Messenger has always been about more than products and services. It’s about the people and families those products serve.
Having experienced profound loss within her own family, Heather understands firsthand the impact meaningful memorial products can have on the grieving process.
“Delivering excellence is at the heart of what we do at Messenger and helping shape the ‘excellence’ is what drives me every day.” – Heather
Her experiences have helped shape her approach to leadership, keeping compassion, innovation, and the needs of grieving families at the center of her work.
Conversations That Matter
Heather recently joined EFF’s Funding Foundations podcast, where she shared her perspective on the funeral profession, its evolution, and the role technology continues to play in shaping its future.
While technology creates new opportunities for efficiency and innovation, Heather believes the heart of funeral service will always be people.
“People are at the heart of what we do, and I love talking about how technology can help us do things better and faster so we all can spend time on what matters most – showing up for one another.” – Heather
Her conversation serves as a reminder that even as the profession evolves, meaningful connections remain at the center of everything we do.
A Journey of Strength & Gratitude
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Heather faced a deeply personal challenge: a stage 3C breast cancer diagnosis.
With pandemic restrictions in place, she attended all but one of her medical appointments alone. The experience brought uncertainty and difficult moments, but it also gave her a new perspective on courage.
“Sometimes courage is simply taking the next step in front of you.” – Heather
Heather recalls one of her earliest oncology appointments, when her doctors were determining whether to pursue treatment for comfort or treatment with the goal of a cure.
When they announced they were treating to cure, she didn’t fully understand the significance of that decision at the time.
Looking back, she reflects on that moment with overwhelming gratitude for her care team and the opportunity to continue moving forward.
Throughout her journey, Heather leaned on her faith, her family, and the support of her Messenger Family.
She recalls a conversation with fellow Messenger sales representative Steve Coker, who offered words she continues to carry with her:
“Heather, you know who wrote your story and no matter what happens, the ending is good.” – Steve
What began as an incredibly personal experience also taught Heather the value of vulnerability and accepting help from others. From prayers and meals to cards, messages, and acts of kindness, the support she received left a lasting impact.
Her journey has since encouraged her to share more openly, creating opportunities for conversations that may help others facing similar challenges.
Finding Hope Through Awareness
Today, Breast Cancer Awareness Month holds a deeply personal meaning for Heather.
For her, it’s about recognizing those affected by the disease, honoring the women who have lost their lives, and continuing to support awareness and efforts toward finding a cure.
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month means there is hope for a cure and we all can make a difference so others can beat this disease.” – Heather
Through her experiences, Heather has learned to focus on what matters most, appreciate each day, and continue moving forward with a positive outlook.
When asked what encouragement she would share with someone facing a similar journey, her message was simple:
“I truly believe that today is a gift and we must stay focused on living today like it was our last day. Stay focused on what you can control and keep moving forward with a positive attitude.” – Heather
Celebrating Heather
Heather’s story is one of leadership, compassion, strength, and gratitude. Whether she’s supporting funeral professionals, encouraging her team, or sharing her personal experiences to help others, she continues to make a meaningful difference within the Messenger Family and beyond.
This October, we’re proud to celebrate Heather, recognize her journey, and thank her for sharing her story with us.
Thank you, Heather, for reminding us of the importance of showing up for one another and finding gratitude in each day.
