Support for Sarah Laro Sumner's CLL Journey

Our beloved Aunt Sarah Laro Sumner was recently diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. While CLL can progress slowly, it still brings difficult symptoms like fatigue, weakness, swollen lymph nodes, and frequent infections. Through it all, Sarah has remained hopeful, faithful, and full of grace, a true reflection of her Christian faith and the strength it gives her.

For years, Sarah devoted herself to caring for others. She was a stay-at-home mom while raising her children, and when our Grandma became ill, Sarah moved into our Aunt Stella’s home to help care for her during her final years. After our Grandma passed, Sarah made a big move from Mississippi to Fredonia, NY, hoping for a fresh start and planning to work part-time while receiving partial disability for ongoing health issues.

But soon after settling in, Sarah began feeling sick. After several tests, she received the heartbreaking news: she had leukemia.

Despite the diagnosis, Sarah has never lost her faith or her positive mindset. She says she feels incredibly blessed to be in the care of a wonderful team at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY. On July 11th, she began her first clinical trial, a brave and promising step toward healing.

But getting to and from treatment has been tough. Sarah has to travel from Fredonia to Buffalo, a two-hour round trip, often several times a week. She’s currently unable to work, and the cost of gas, tolls, meals, and daily living expenses is adding up quickly. Her car, while still running, also needs some work and routine maintenance (like oil changes and safety checks) to stay reliable for these critical medical trips.

That’s why we’re asking for your help.

Donations will go directly toward:

Vehicle maintenance and repairs

Gas and tolls for medical travel

Food during long treatment days

Essential bills

New clothes (she’s lost significant weight and nothing fits anymore)

If you know Sarah, you know she’s the first to offer help, a listening ear, or a prayer for someone else. Asking for support isn’t easy for her, but right now, she truly needs it.

Any amount you can give would mean the world to her and to all of us who love her. Most of all, thank you for surrounding her with your prayers, encouragement, and love as she walks this road with strength, courage, and faith.