I’m starting a fundraiser for my dear friend Sarah, who has been diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Her first appointment at MD Anderson is on January 15th, and she is required to pay $20,000 up front. Sarah turned 40 in November. On December 23rd, she learned that what she had been told was a cyst was actually an aggressive form of breast cancer. Precious months were lost while this cancer was in her body. If you know Sarah, you know this: she has spent her entire life showing up for other people. If you need a friend to talk to, she will always pick up the phone. No hesitation. I met Sarah when I lived in Lufkin and barely knew a soul. She welcomed me into her family almost immediately. Most of my meals that didn’t come from a can were eaten at her house. Our sleepovers usually ended with us piled into bed with our book lights, reading the newest series Sarah had found. We sure knew how to party. Sarah is married to her high school sweetheart, Brad, and together they have three incredible children; Brianna, William, and Brett and have also helped raise her nephew, Levi, who they love as their own. Sarah and Brad are the most amazing parents. Their home is full of love, laughter, and the kind of care that makes everyone feel like family. She is always happy. Always laughing. Always making everyone around her feel comfortable, even now. She’s terrified, but the cancer jokes have already started, because that’s who Sarah is. She puts everyone else at ease, even in the scariest moments of her own life. Sarah has endured more loss than anyone should. She has lost two sisters, her mom, and her dad just last year. And still, she keeps giving. She keeps taking care of everyone around her. Our hope is to help ease the burden of that initial $20,000 so Sarah and Brad can focus on what matters most, her health and their family. While a better insurance plan will begin in February, there will still be significant expenses ahead: medical bills, time off work, hotel stays, travel costs, and so much more. Now it’s our turn. It’s time to give back to Sarah in the way she has so selflessly given to all of us. Any amount helps. Every share matters. And if you’re looking for a small way to brighten her day, she definitely wouldn’t turn down a Dr. Pepper sent her way. Let’s show her she doesn’t have to carry this alone.