My name is Sarah. I am 37 years old and live in San Francisco. I have two sons, Mateo, who is seven and entering 2nd grade and Diego, who is 6 and entering the first grade. My fiancé, Hugo has helped me and our sons tremendously during our cancer journey. 

Initially, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2023, just a day after my oldest son started kindergarten. Since then, I have undergone various treatments to fight my stage 3 breast cancer. I completed 16 grueling rounds of chemotherapy, 25 rounds of targeted radiation, undergone four surgeries within a year, suffered three seizures throughout breast cancer, and have been admitted to the hospital for weeks at a time. Furthermore, I underwent reconstructive surgery for breast cancer in May of 2025, and was diagnosed with Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). PG presents as a rapidly enlarging, very painful ulcer. It is one of a group of autoinflammatory disorders known as neutrophilic dermatoses. The name pyoderma gangrenosum is historical. The condition is not an infection (pyoderma), nor does it cause gangrene. It is characterised by a full-thickness ulcer with blue/purple undermined borders and by pathergy. Due to the PG diagnosis, I had to have a second breast cancer reconstructive surgery exactly one week later my initial surgery to try clean everything out. I was hospitalized for over two weeks and suffered excruciating pain.

On top the breast cancer, I was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in July of 2025. Currently, I am hospitalized at UCSF and in an extreme amount of pain. I am in need of a bone marrow transplant before I leave the hospital to go into remission. 

I have a long recovery ahead of me when I get home. I look forward to working with physical therapy and occupational therapy to walk, shower, etc. soon. Normally, I am athletic, and active, and a hands-on person and mother, so this is absolutely heartbreaking for me. I am trying to stay strong right now especially for my children.

Any donation to help financially at any amount during this time is much appreciated. These funds will go directly towards:

-Medical bills (especially to keep my medical insurance, co-pays, physical therapy rehab unit, prescriptions, etc.)

-food 

-hospital parking/car share services/ambulatory services

-housekeeping

-dog walking needs

-an updated ergonomic and adjustable bed

-other medical expenses (acupuncture, medical devices, therapy, prosthetic needs, new clothing, etc.).

I want to thank everyone in advance for your compassion and generosity. As I am writing this, I am in tears. This has not been an easy journey and I need to continue to fight through this. It is hard for me to ask for help, but I am at the point that I need it. 

If preferred, individuals can donate directly to me via Venmo at Sarah-65, Zelle, Apple Pay, or CashApp at $Sarita415415.

Thank you all for your generosity. This has been extremely traumatic for my family and I. I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and support. God bless.

If you are interested in learning more, here are some useful links:

1) What Is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/acute-myeloid-leukemia/about/what-is-aml.html

2) Pyoderma Gangrenosum (PG)

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17825-pyoderma-gangrenosum-pg

3) Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast 

Cancer (ER+)

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/er-positive-breast-cancer