Thirty Years of Fighting Cancer

Sarah having to undergo surgery without her husband present (due to COVID).

My cousin, Sarah (Maurer) Atim Okot, was diagnosed with stage IV kidney and liver cancer in 1992.   She was just eight years old.  She was not supposed to live, let alone make it to 2021.  After grueling chemotherapy, radiation and removal of several internal organs, the family celebrated her survival.  
However, Sarah's genetics have another plan in mind.  

(Please click the links below to learn more about Sarah Atim Okot and her unrelenting dedication to survival and giving back)
Then and Now 

Sarah at eight and decades later, loving on those with similar struggles. 

Since her initial diagnosis in 1992, Sarah has survived not only cancer of the liver and kidney, but skin cancer, colon cancer and several surgeries to adjust tissues that were damaged by the radiation.  She has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and will undergo a double mastectomy and reconstruction (if past scarring from radiation allows).  
Sarahs Early Story 
 
Sarah and her husband, Francis, in a time of good health.

What makes Sarah so unique is her persistent positive and loving attitude.  
To anyone else, a life sentence of fighting disease and pain would be overwhelming.  
To Sarah, this is life.  
She doesn't get to stop fighting.  

Healing From Childhood Cancer 
Sarah at eight with her absolute hero, Charles Barkley.  

Despite all of her struggles, Sarah has dedicated her life to providing support, love and guidance to children with cancer.   
She is a Child Life Specialist with Phoenix Children's Hospital.  
However, she has had to stop work and go on FMLA.    

I would love to see our community financially support these two as the hospital bills, treatment cost, loss of work, and daily expenses add up.
Financial contributions will be used for treatment, therapy, and any other bills needed to keep Sarah alive and healthy.
(All funds will be released directly to Sarah)

Phoenix Childrens Hospital 
Sarah at Work 

Sarah and her immediate family. 


Sarah, always full of joy and love, regardless of where she is.

Please join me in helping this beautiful young woman.  
Sarah truly is one of the most precious, kind, loving, funny, resilient and warm people I know!  She DESERVES our help.  She needs to keep living, and keep loving, and continue to spread joy in the world to those who need it most.

Sarah at Phoenix Children's Hospital, working when her health allows. 

Please help alleviate some of her financial stress so she can focus on surviving this cancer as well.  
Then Sarah can go back to spreading her love and support to others in similar situations.  
Any little bit will go a long way.
Sarah Gives Back