I've seen a lot of cancer. When I became a part of the team that helped raised critical dollars for Roswell Park, I began that role thinking I was a fundraiser, but realized, I, my purpose, my role was so much more. I saw a LOT of cancer. It hit hard, a lot of times.
Then one day, it hit home. My mom was diagnosed in 2019, began treatment, continued treatment as the pandemic started, and by the grace of God and the good work of Roswell Park, my mom is cancer free.
Today, today it hits home and it hits really, really hard. Joe's beautiful, young niece, Sarah. I will be entirely frank, i'm having the hardest time typing those words as it just shouldn't be. It. Just. Shouldn't. Be. But, it is. Sarah has been diagnosed with stage 3B Hodgkins Lymphoma. A port, chemo, a life turned upside down, in a matter of days.
21 years old, Sarah is in her last semester of her undergradate college career. A soccer rock-star on the women's team at Buff State, her ambitions are set on becoming a lawyer. With the intellect and wit for her to be very successful, how does this fit in all that?!?!? It doesn't. IT SHOULDN'T.
When does cancer stop? When do we no longer have to have pediatric units? When does life no longer have to be turned completely upside down by ths? I bite my tongue on the questions of when, why, how... because right now, this sadly just IS.
But, WE can do something about it. We can fight together, ride together, raise money together.
I ask you to support my ride financially. But I also ask you - even more than that - to keep Sarah in your thoughts and prayers. For her journey to be one filled with support, love, hope and before long, an endured strength that although not asked for, will only prove well for her knowing that SHE, can truly do anything!
#SarahStrong
I'll add, #SarahBeautiful #SarahLoved