Each month, iParenting.com spotlights a mother who inspires and moves us, who embodies the qualities that we all admire in a person, a woman and a mother. Above all, the Mom of the Month is dedicated to her children. Rich or poor, famous or not, she shines as an example of what mothering is all about.

October's Mom of the Month is Bonnie Booher, mother of eight. Read the courageous story of how she fought for her son's life here:

From the time Bonnie Booher was a young girl she knew she wanted a large family. Her wish came true. She and her husband Neal have eight children: Ryan, 19; Jonathon, 18; Kyle, 17; Shauna, 15; Jacob, 13; Breanna, 11; Jessica, 9; and Joshua, 8.

Booher is happy she chose to have a large family. "Our desire was to have our children close in age. Since we can't always play with them, they have each other. They have become close over the years and are each other's best friends," she says. "As our children became teenagers they would often share with each other things that they wouldn't want to tell us and they have received counsel from a sibling that we could never provide."

Because her children have had to learn to share and compromise so often, they are learning how to coexist peacefully. "Being a part of a large family helps children learn to deal with other people, as well as realize that the whole world does not revolve around them," she said.

Having so many children has provided many playful moments for the Boohers. "We often play steal the flag as a family and have a great time. Even something as simple as going to the park is so much fun with a large family because the kids have each other to play with," she says.

All her kids are very active which keeps Booher on the move. Caring for eight children is an amazing feat, but Booher faces additional challenges. Her youngest, Joshua, was diagnosed with brain cancer in January 2000. He has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation since that time.

Booher has learned to stretch her limits. "It is amazing when you think your life is so full you couldn't do anything else, then something else happens and you just do more," she says. Booher has learned to juggle the medical appointments along with her very busy schedule for after school activities for the kids. She also has a part-time job and volunteers her time with the Cancer Society and Candle Lighters of Utah.

She has also learned to reach out to family for help. "When our son was diagnosed with cancer, my parents were in China teaching conversational English at a University. When they finished the semester, they decided to come live close by to help us," she says. "Thank goodness for grandparents close by who help!"

Having a child with cancer has changed Bonnie and Neal's perspective on life. "It has helped us focus on what's truly important," Booher says. "We do things because we realize we are creating memories for everyone. The first birthday Josh had after being diagnosed, we had a birthday party. We normally only do that every few years. We just didn't know if he would have another birthday.

"We not only treat Josh differently now, but all of our children. We don't ever know when they will leave us and all of our efforts need to be focused on teaching them and helping them feel comfortable with who they are," she says. "We want our children setting goals and making plans, not just existing."