Help Sarah

Hi everyone,

My name in Tammy Phipps Parkinson. I am starting this fundraiser for my beautiful niece Sarah Abentroth Mitchell. She needs our help and prayers.

After having some troubling digestive symptoms since late last summer, she saw a gastroenterologist in May and was diagnosed with rectal cancer. She completed a course of radiation and attempted a course of chemo, but she suffered a rare side effect known as coronary vasospasm, which gave her severe chest pains and sidelined her from further chemo for the time being. She saw two general surgeons in the Quad Cities but due to the location of the tumor, she was ultimately referred to Mayo Clinic to participate in their robotic trial in hopes of removing the cancer without leaving her with a permanent colostomy.

The surgery was successful in removing the tumor and several surrounding lymph nodes, and now we await the pathology results to see if further chemo (with a different drug to avoid cardiac side effects) will be needed. The inner damage to her GI system was sufficient to warrant a temporary ileostomy, which she’ll have for 3-6 months.

Sarah is married to Brian Mitchell and they have three children. They are very active in their church and their strong faith in God is helping them maneuver thru this difficult time.

Any amount you can give will be appreciated. If you cannot donate, prayers are so appreciated.