Sarah S.

Sarah has walked alongside cancer throughout most of her life, from grandparents to her mother's brain tumor, her sister's malignant melanoma and breast cancer, and finally her husband Greg's hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Greg was diagnosed in 2016 and passed away in 2020, a journey that transformed Sarah into both a fierce advocate and a source of hope for others.

Greg was a healthy guy who had Hepatitis C that went undetected and untreated for years. His doctor at the time said, "You're healthy, I don't want to make you sick with the interferon treatments to clear your Hep C." When new treatments became available, Greg was successfully cleared of Hepatitis C. They celebrated with a trip to Maui, feeling like they had a new lease on a healthy life.

The celebration was short-lived. Upon returning, a routine liver scan revealed devastating news: "I'm sorry, we've found two tumors, you have liver cancer." Sarah recalls being shocked and terrified. "First thing I did when I got into the car was consult with Dr. Google. Never do that."

Sarah took on the overwhelming responsibility of managing every aspect of Greg's care—finding doctors, hospital systems, treatment options, insurance, so Greg could focus on his golf game and maintaining hope. She was exhausted and overwhelmed until she found support organizations like CanCare, learning that 50% of a cancer diagnosis is clinical, but the other 50% is emotional support, education, and community are really important.

Greg was multi-listed for liver transplant in San Francisco and New Orleans. When he became number one on the list in New Orleans, Sarah's sister Kathy and her husband moved there to support them. Unfortunately, the tumors grew beyond transplant criteria. After being given six months to live when delisted for transplant, Greg lived for three more precious years through clinical trial treatments. He passed away right before the pandemic hit in 2020, leaving Sarah to begin her grief journey in isolation.

When asked about how CanCare impacted her life... Being able to serve as a caregiver volunteer support has been a highlight of my life. It is a privilege and an honor to be invited to walk beside those that have followed in our shoes. It has also helped me during my grief journey, turning pain into purpose.

My words to pass along to anyone facing cancer... Hope is stronger than fear. Hope changes. That's okay. Embrace each phase of your journey knowing that you will be better, stronger for it, no matter the outcome. You are not alone; reach out for support along the way to gather strength, insights, and comfort as it makes a tremendous positive impact. Celebrate the sanctity of life everyday in the little things for they are what matter the most.

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