A Life of Courage and Inspiration
When you think of resilience and forgiveness, Cindi Broaddus is a name that deserves to be at the forefront. She wasn’t just family to self-help guru Dr. Phil—she was the sister-in-law to his wife, Robin McGraw. But Cindi's legacy goes far beyond bloodlines. Her story is one of unimaginable strength and grace, and her impact continues to resonate long after her passing on February 19, 2018, at the age of 68.
The Day That Changed Everything
On a seemingly ordinary day in June 2001, Cindi was headed to San Diego for a vacation with her friend Jim. As the car cruised along the highway, Cindi dozed off in the passenger seat. What happened next would alter the course of her life forever. An unknown attacker dropped a gallon-sized jar of sulfuric acid through the car’s windshield from an overpass above. Cindi woke up to excruciating pain, her body burning from the toxic substance.
View this post on InstagramI am reposting @branlo35 post….I am so proud of you and Angela and Shelli. We are all heartbroken and will miss her everyday. She was our hero. You 3 all made her life a dream. She lived everyday for her daughters and you always made her the happiest woman ever! I will celebrate her and her strength and her unwavering support for me the rest of my life. I miss her dearly.
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Surviving the Unthinkable
In a 2017 interview at a hospital in her hometown of Duncan, Oklahoma, Cindi recalled the harrowing moments after the attack. “I remember being really calm,” she said, speaking about how she instructed her friend Jim to pull over. But according to Jim, Cindi was screaming in agony, convinced she was dying. And in many ways, she was right—her body bore severe burns over her face, arms, and chest. Doctors gave her only a 30% chance of survival. Despite the odds, Cindi fought back, spending three weeks in the hospital and undergoing years of reconstructive surgeries, skin grafts, and tissue expanders.
A Turning Point in Healing
After years of medical intervention, Cindi reached a pivotal moment. She decided that enough was enough. “Something just came over me,” she explained. “I realized who I was on the inside, and I knew I didn’t need to change my outside to feel whole.” This decision marked a turning point in her journey. Instead of focusing on physical perfection, Cindi embraced her identity and chose to live authentically.
Dr. Phil and his wife, Robin.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Cindi didn’t stop at healing herself. She transformed her tragedy into a platform for inspiring others. As a single mother of three, she became an influential speaker and a staunch advocate for highway safety. Her book, A Random Act: An Inspiring True Story of Fighting to Survive and Choosing to Forgive, captures her incredible journey. Cindi spent countless hours visiting burn victims, offering comfort and hope. “If I can help just one person, it’s worth it,” she often said. And she did help—countless lives were touched by her courage and kindness.
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Cindi's Enduring Impact
Known affectionately as “Big Momma,” Cindi leaves behind a legacy of love. She is survived by her three daughters, five grandchildren, extended family, and countless friends. Her 27-year career at Cable One only added to her reputation as a devoted and compassionate individual. Though her time on this earth was limited, her spirit lives on in the hearts of everyone she touched.
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