Help Sarah Benion (Jarz); mother of 6 and church elder.

Weeks ago, my cousin, Sister Sarah Benion (Jarz) was diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer, metastasizing to the liver and lungs. A loving mother of six children; Sophia, Camille, Simon, Elias, Jesse, and Ezra; devoted wife to Ernest, and cherished daughter of Ted & (Cindy) Jarz & Susan Marconi; Sarah has spent her life as a faithful servant of God, devout Sister of her church and a rock of her community.

For years Sarah has suffered from lower abdominal pain and discomfort, all the while serving her community, tending to the needs of her family, and providing selfless service to God.

When the pain and discomfort became too severe she sought out medical attention only to find what was assumed to be a day to day hinderance, was in fact, aggressive cancer.

Unfortunately, like so many in our country, we have found out that Sarah's health insurance is wildly inadequate for the care she requires with many health systems refusing to see her without large, up-front deposits of over $17000, and that is just to get in the door. No person, let alone one so good, should be left helpless, lacking needed care, because our system values profits over life.

Sarah has spent her entire life taking care of others, putting others first, never thinking of herself or her own needs. She is the most generous, loving, caring, selfless person you will ever meet.

Even as Sarah undertakes the hardest journey of her life, she remains steadfast in her care and concern for her family, friends, and her community. In the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, Sarah continues to put others first; always more concerned about others than herself.

Now, Sarah needs to be put first. I do not know anyone who better embodies the living example of a modern day saint. She is everything that is good and this world would be a darker place without her light.

No donation is too small. I plead to all to give what they can. All money donated will go to Sarah's medical care. Please, save Sister Sarah Benion. She needs us, the world needs her, but more importantly, she needs you.

If you have time, I urge you to please read on and hear from those who know her best;

"My mom gives new definition to the word 'mom.' Because of her, 'mom' no longer simply means someone who birthed me and cares for me. Throughout my life, she has showed me that 'mom' means playmate, doctor, teacher, comforter, cook, seamstress, janitor, chauffeur, manager, provider, guide, listener, friend, counselor, warrior. She has been there for me in every way through every stage. And now, as I approach the stage of marriage and children I cannot imagine doing it without her. I need her continued counsel. I need her to tell me I look beautiful and I'll be alright as she smooths down my wedding dress. I need her to to cuddle and sing to my babies like she did me. I believe that she will because world needs my mom. Though she has us six children of her own, she has refused to be selfish in any way, opening her heart and home to many children and young people who need motherly counsel and love. I am so proud to call her my mother and I pray God leaves on loan to us for many years to come."

~Sophia (daughter, 23)

"For as far back as I can remember, my mom has been a loyal, dedicated laborer in the local community and countries abroad to assist in the spreading of God's love, working to provide love and support wherever she can. Not only has she loved and raised her six biological children tirelessly, but her motherly love has been a comfort to many other hurting children and young people needing the healing salve of a mother's heart.

For the past several years and especially this past year, my mother has been battling an abnormal sickness; one that, try as she might, she could not shake nor find adequate supplements with which to neutralize. After months of stressing, contemplation, and prayer, she finally decided to get herself checked out. This summer we learned that what she has been battling is rectal cancer which has now advanced to stage four, metastasizing to her lung and liver as well. While we are devastated to learn about her diagnosis, we have not given up hope on her recovery. We believe God still has work for her to do on Earth and we want to what we can to extend her time here with us."

~Camille (daughter, 21)

"I love my parents more than anyone in the world. The thought of losing my mom makes me go crazy. I dont know what I would do without her."

~Simon (son, 18)

"I had gotten home from roofing on a hot summer day when my dad called me and little brother into his room. Just earlier that day I had been reflecting on how I handled trauma or intense situations. I was realizing that often, I tended to brush it off or avoid thinking about it. As I thought on this, I also realized one day something seriously intense was going to occur and there was no way I would be able to just avoid it.

Anyways, my mom has been sick for several months (I believe it was years but she is a tough woman). However, she has recently been in so much pain that just a few days before while taking me school shopping, she had begun weeping silent tears. It broke my heart and it also caused me to think something was really wrong. So, fast forward a couple days, I get home from work, and my dad had taken my mom to get checked out. Me and my friend were talking and we expressed the sentiment, that, as long as it wasn't cancer...

When my dad got home, my mom was not with him and my brain went on instant red alert. I lost it. I knew what was next. My mom, who does so much to assure that me and my siblings succeed in life, had cancer. It's difficult to write down what all she does because you can see her work in everything but some of the things I appreciate about her are these; not only did she choose to give birth to me, raise me for all these years, but through all those years I never went hungry, cold, or endangered in any serious way. My mom has pushed me hard to achieve excellence in my education and in sports. When Im down, she always did something encouraging and inspiring. Those are just a few small things. In essence, me, my siblings, my dad, and anybody who has lived with us have been blessed to have her influence in their lives. She also has a great sense of humor, loves hiking and dark chocolate, and is without a doubt the best cook in the world. She's a BAD MAMA JAMA!"

~ Elias (son, 16)

"My mom is not about to lose. No possible way. She is literally the toughest person you would ever meet. She had to deal with all six of us, I mean who else could've? she can defeat this. To me, my mom is an example of how to deal with things. She taught by example how to cope with pain, how to receive the tough end of things and not be bitter. She is the reason I have any success. She is not about to lose."

~Jesse (son, 14)

"If my mother was not my mother... I would not be as athletic as I am. I would not be as smart. She is the best mom ever!!! I would be nothing without her."

~Ezra (son, 8)

"I am planting some pink hyacinth bulbs in the ground today in my daughters porch that should bloom in early May. I pray that she will see them, smell them, and delight in them as she goes about her typical busy day. They are one of her favorites. She is still young with six beautiful children and a husband who all love her very much. And me, her mom, who could no longer breathe if she were gone. She is fighting with all of her might to destroy the cancer that has invaded her body. She is is so very lovely and has worked so hard for her family and the Lord. She is the rock of this amazing family and we cannot lose her. Please God! She is Sarah - my love, my life!"

~Susan (mother)

"Our daughter called with the news of her stage four cancer, a phone call no parents want to receive, the kind that makes you want to scream 'No!!' She, her husband, our grandchildren are devout Christian, all dedicated members of the Church of God, and it challenges one's faith facing the reality of what path God may suddenly lay before us. Such a beautiful, loving woman, mother of six, her life now seriously threatened and parents dreading the thought of losing her. A teacher at her church, shows abundant kindness to others every day, the soul that brightens the room when she enters. We never want to ask for help but know the cost of fighting this disease will crush the entire family pursuing hope that she survives. The battle is underway."

~Ted & Cindy (father and step-mother)

"Sarah is a genuine human being in the truest sense. She guided me, her brother, from times before I can remember. Her love for her family and others is foundational for a whole community of people who believe in kindness, compassion, and understanding. Her selflessness and dedication to others are an inspiration among those who have the privilege of knowing her."

~Alex (brother)

"We are incredibly lucky to have Sarah in our lives. I am forever grateful for her heartwarming presence, and for all the lessons I've learned from her example. She is an amazing mother, and has shown what it means to raise a deeply connected and powerful family. She is a source of kindness, faith, strength, and joy for us all."

~Jake (brother)

"I am beyond grateful to have Sarah as my sister to look up to. In my journey of motherhood, I have recalled so many memories of watching Sarah raise her beautiful family in a fashion that I can only describe as super love cultivating, ever optimistic, and joyous radiating wisdom. Her influence on my own childhood is what I strive to portray. I know with a little help from your donation and the strength of her family, she will persevere on her healing journey, and watch her and her family grow even stronger."

~Rachel (sister)