Sarah Fagan is an artist, educator, friend, and former colleague whose life has changed suddenly and dramatically as she faces a serious and disabling health crisis. Until very recently, Sarah was making art, teaching, cooking, hiking, and living a full and independent life. Over the past year, she began experiencing a growing number of unexplained injuries and physical symptoms. In recent weeks, her condition worsened dramatically. Sarah has lost significant ability in her hands, feet, and one arm and is experiencing extreme and persistent nerve pain that has made walking and many ordinary daily activities difficult or impossible. She has recently been diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), while she and her doctors continue working to understand the full picture of what is happening. The change has been profound. Sarah has had to leave her teaching jobs and is currently unable to work. Making art and cooking—two important parts of her everyday life—have also become extremely difficult. Because Sarah lives alone and does not have a car, things like getting to medical appointments, preparing meals, running errands, and simply managing daily life now present significant challenges. Many of us who know Sarah—as friends, fellow artists, former colleagues, students, and members of her larger community—have wondered how we can help. This page is one way we can. Our hope is to create a wider community of care around Sarah so that she can devote more of her limited energy to her health and navigating what comes next. How You Can Help: Rides & Transportation: Sarah does not have a car, so rides to medical appointments, physical therapy, the pharmacy, groceries, and other necessary trips are especially helpful. Meals: Prepared meals that can easily be reheated or saved for later are greatly appreciated. Please see the Notes section for Sarah’s current dietary preferences. Errands: Help with groceries, pharmacy pickups, household supplies, and other everyday errands can make a meaningful difference. Companionship: A planned visit, conversation, or simply spending some time together is welcome. Please coordinate with Sarah in advance, preferably the day before. Financial Support: Contributions can help Sarah with everyday living expenses, medical care, transportation, potential treatment-related travel, and other costs while she is unable to work. Sarah is also facing the uncertainty and expense that can accompany a complex medical condition. Some potential treatments for CRPS may involve significant out-of-pocket costs or travel to receive specialized care. At the same time, she is navigating this period without her regular income from teaching. Needs will undoubtedly change, and we’ll continue updating this page as we learn what is most helpful. No gesture is too small. A ride, a meal, an errand, a visit, or a financial contribution can all help lighten the load. Thank you for helping us surround Sarah with care during this extraordinarily difficult time.
Meal Preferences: Prepared meals would be a wonderful help to Sarah right now. When possible, Sarah is trying to eat foods that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and generally anti-inflammatory. These are preferences rather than food allergies, so there’s no need to worry about cross-contamination. Simple, nourishing meals that can easily be reheated or saved for later are especially welcome. Please text Sarah in advance to coordinate delivery. Planning a day ahead when possible is ideal. Visits & Deliveries: Please text Sarah before coming over. When possible, planning a visit or delivery the day before is best. This gives Sarah flexibility to account for changes in pain, energy, appointments, and rest.