Kansas City Mother Faces Stage 4 Cancer with Courage and Hope
Kansas City, Mo. — In the heart of Kansas City, a mother named Sarah Harmon is navigating both the joy of motherhood and the harsh reality of a cancer diagnosis. At just 32 years old, Sarah has a beautiful 17-month-old child and a loving husband, Jacob. Any mother will tell you, those precious moments spent with family are what life is all about; however, Sarah’s journey has taken a challenging turn that many can hardly imagine.
From Dream Life to Harsh Reality
Sarah’s ordeal began less than two years ago when she was pregnant. It was during this exciting time that she learned she had stage three triple negative breast cancer. Immediately, she faced the reality of starting chemotherapy while also preparing to bring her baby into the world. Due to complications, the delivery happened via an emergency C-section.
After bravely fighting through treatment and enduring radiation, Sarah was relieved to hear that she was cancer-free for nine months. However, that relief was short-lived. Recently, Sarah received another blow. “I just got a diagnosis last Thursday that it’s spread to my lungs. So, it’s stage 4,” she explained, her voice tinged with sadness.
The Weight of Worry
For Jacob, being the support for his wife during such turbulent times is anything but easy. “It’s hard not to worry about the future and start spiraling and go to the worst possible outcome,” he shared. With the average prognosis for her specific type of cancer being around one and a half years, the couple is left grappling with overwhelming emotions and fears.
“I definitely rock back and forth between being sad that I’m not going to see my baby grow up and being hopeful from all of the survival stories that there are people with stage four who survive and get to a place where they don’t see it anymore,” Sarah said, showcasing her remarkable strength and resilience.
The Financial Burden
As if the emotional toll weren’t enough, Sarah is also facing financial concerns regarding medical costs. Although she is on Jacob’s insurance plan, it does not cover everything. Newly developed, experimental medications often fall outside the coverage umbrella, leaving them with growing financial pressure. In response, her father started a GoFundMe campaign to help ease some of that burden which has raised an impressive $24,000 so far.
Finding Hope in Treatment
Amidst all the challenges and uncertainty, Sarah is determined to remain optimistic. She firmly believes in taking things one step at a time. “There are chances and there are stories of people who make it,” she noted, drawing inspiration from others who have triumphed over similar battles.
Sarah is set to begin a new treatment that was recently approved by the FDA. Additionally, doctors at the KU Medical Center want to enroll her in clinical trials, offering a glimmer of hope for the future.
A Community Rallying Together
As Sarah and Jacob navigate this challenging journey, they are reminded of the power of community. Family, friends, and even strangers have come together to show support, whether it be through financial contributions or emotional encouragement. The road ahead may be tough, but with hope and love surrounding them, Sarah feels she is fighting not just for herself, but for her family’s future.
Through the ups and downs, Sarah Harmon’s story is a beautiful testament to the strength of the human spirit, the importance of love, and the resilience we all can find in the face of adversity. In times of struggle, she stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring others with her courage and unwavering faith in tomorrow.
