Email, August 2002
“It is with deep sadness that we advise that Sarah has relapsed.  Since the bone marrow transplant 8-1/2 weeks ago we felt positive that we could win this battle.  Sarah’s leukemia has returned more aggressively than when she was first diagnosed back in February.  We are currently looking into alternative treatments and facilities nationwide that might offer us hope; or a little more time.” 

During the nine (9) months Sarah was sick I sent out frequent email updates as to her condition and treatments.  I sent many of those “middle of the night” emails from Sarah’s side at the hospital with Marissa and I alternating nights, so Sarah was never alone. 

Immediately following their confirmation that Sarah had relapsed the oncologists told us “There is nothing else we can do so I suggest while you’re still thinking clearly you begin making funeral arrangements…” 

North Shore Manhasset, where Sarah was originally treated still maintained a separate pediatric cancer unit from what is now Cohen and we were offered the opportunity to transfer back to Manhasset.  We jumped at the chance and within 2 hours we were back “home” in the Manhasset facility where we had spent so many months.   The doctors did not disagree with what we were told and after review there were a couple of experimental drugs through a Dana-Farber protocol they could administer but at best we’d be buying time.  

Child Life and Social Work asked what fun things we normally had done during the summer, and we talked about all the camping we had done and that we always celebrated “Christmas in July”.   Even though it had turned to August, an immediate decision was made to have a “Christmas” party for Sarah and the Child Life staff went to work.  Staff ‘interviewed’ us to learn what we did around the holidays so they could make this extra special for Sarah and for James because it was a definite possibility that Sarah might not be with us for Christmas.  Arrangements were made and one afternoon the playroom on 7-Tower was closed and staff prepped it for “Christmas”. 

When the doors opened for Sarah, it was a Christmas wonderland complete with decorations, a Christmas tree surrounded by gifts and all the ingredients to bake Christmas cookies, which was our tradition.   And the party was capped with a visit from Santa Claus and clowns from the hospital unit of the Big Apple Circus.  It was a beautiful afternoon filled with smiles and laughter and bittersweet emotion for the few of us who understood the true purpose of this Christmas in August.

If you wonder why The Sarah Grace Foundation does what it does, this is it!   There are too many children walking the path that Sarah did and for those whose path continues to heaven and not the playground it is critical to give them love, happiness and strength.  Your continued support is so important to us and the mission we continue of spreading smiles for children – one child at a time.