Before yesterday you probably could have found my daughter, Sarah, building a wall out of natural stone, baking homemade bread for her husband, Jon and her son, Otto age  11, or maybe out on a run. She’s a sculptor and installation artist but drywall and carpentry and other contracting work pay the bills. She loves gardening, getting her hands in the earth and feeling the promise it holds. She loves animals, has two dogs and a cat. She’s raised chickens, goats and even pigs once. She is a uniquely gifted woman, not only in my estimation but in the estimation of many who know her. In her spare time she works passionately on antiracist causes. She doesn’t just talk the talk. She walks it also. She has a mass of curly hair and a loud laugh and a smile that will draw you in and make you love her, almost as much as she probably loves you.

That’s Sarah. So what happened?

Yesterday, Sunday, October 25th, started off with a little pain that grew into a pain so big it took her to the emergency ward. Hours later, she was wheeled into surgery, where doctors removed a length of her colon along with a mass. Sarah is recovering well, in less pain and doing ok. We don't know about the mass yet as it will be tested later this week. Regardless, she will be on a colostomy bag for months, three or six or perhaps longer. I came up with the $100,000 figure because my pacemaker operation was $95,000. I probably lowballed it. Sarah and her family have very basic insurance through the Affordable Care Act, and as Sarah will not be able to work, they will need help with food and other regular living expenses and childcare too.

Any money donated will go directly to Sarah’s family. (If you are donating a significant amount, friends tell us it might be better to donate directly through Zelle or Venmo or send a check as there is a small fee associated with GoFundMe — reach out to c a t h w a g n e r [a t] g m a i l [d o t] c o m). You can also Paypal "brumit/wagner studio" (there is a small fee with Paypal too).

Help if you can. If you can’t we appreciate your good wishes. They mean a lot. Thanks.