Help Sarah B Focus on Healing and Recovery

Sarah B. has been a part of this local community since birth. She has worked locally her entire career, including working at Lady Fingers for 10+ years and at Piedmont Grocery for 15+ years. Sarah has been a mainstay at Piedmont Grocery who consistently shares stories about her common interests with customers and co-workers alike. She loves talking about gardening and baking, including sharing her finds in local stores or excursions she has taken with her husband. Around 2022/23, Sarah was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she had to take a leave of absence from work to start treatment. While she was out, we stayed in contact with Sarah to provide her with support and encouragement and overall to let her know we were there for her. It was an exciting day when she told us she was returning to work because she was in remission. Sarah returned to work with gusto and determination, sharing her experience with us and customers. Unfortunately, in July 2024, Sarah found out the cancer had returned; however, this time she continued to work and had treatment during her off days. However, we could all see how hard Sarah was fighting to maintain her energy to keep working a reduced schedule. There were good days and bad days, but we rallied around Sarah to support keeping both her energy and spirits lifted. And again, she went into remission.

A few weeks ago, Sarah again received news from her doctor that the cancer was back and had spread to other parts of her body. The doctors explained their findings and discussed treatment plans, and though this news was once again disheartening and devastating, Sarah did not let it break her spirit. She put on her fighting armor to battle cancer once again! Sarah is determined to beat this diagnosis! But battling cancer is not just a fight of the body; it is also a fight of the heart and the mind. Sarah’s treatment requires regular appointments, chemotherapy sessions, and days where she can barely muster the energy to get out of bed, but she does in order to come to work. We can all see how this is affecting Sarah, but she chooses to fight on in silence because she does not want to complain and financially she does not have any other choice. These physical challenges, while taxing, are compounded by the financial strain that comes with her diagnosis.

Sarah is doing her best to come to work, standing for eight hours a day, completing her work tasks, and providing customer service even though we can see how exhausted she appears. We can see how her energy is draining, but she is not financially able to work a reduced schedule, and she does not want to ask for help. We see the fight in Sarah, and we want to support her in using that fighting energy for the cancer that is invading her body and not using that energy to maintain a 40-hour work week. We would like for Sarah to be able to work 24 to 32 hours a week so that she can fight, recuperate, and recover without the added worry of having to be at work. While work provides distraction, we want Sarah to be “distracted” in a more conducive environment such as enjoying a sunny day, going on short day trips with her husband, reading a book, watching a favorite TV show, meeting up with friends for coffee, having a spa day…basically, we want Sarah to care for herself in an environment that supports her healing.

This is where you all come in. Sarah needs to supplement her income to make it possible to reduce her work hours so she can focus on her treatment and recovery. Medical bills, rent, and household expenses do not just stop because she is sick. And considering the economy we are in, it is understandable why she is not able to reduce her hours at work to care for herself. By donating to Sarah’s fund, you are not just giving money. You are giving Sarah the immeasurable gift of time--the time she needs to heal, rest, and spend time with her husband. Your donation will allow her to continue her treatment without the constant pressure of juggling work and her health. No amount is too small. Every contribution makes a difference, and every act of kindness will help Sarah take one more step in her journey towards recovery. Together, we can lift Sarah up and give her the chance to focus on what matters most: her health and her husband. Let’s show her the same support and care that she has given to so many others. Thank you for standing with Sarah in her fight. With our help, she will be able to recuperate and recover in surroundings that are conducive to her healing. We on the front end at Piedmont Grocery appreciate your reading and/or donations!