Stef Sargis has been an elementary teacher and coach within East Hartford Public Schools for over 20 years. She has been a valued and cherished member of the school communities of Sunset Ridge, O’Brien, Silver Lane, and most recently, Norris. On August 8, 2025, Stefanie underwent surgery to remove an invasive tumor from her spinal cord/neck. The surgery has left Stefanie unable to breath on her own, move her arms and legs, swallow food, or even speak. Stefanie's recovery outlook is unknown and complicated. So far, the doctors have indicated that any recovery could take a year or more.

Stefanie's medical diagnosis and condition after surgery were completely unforeseen. In late July of this year, an MRI

revealed a large tumor on Stefanie's cervical (neck) spine. For months leading up to the MRI, Stefanie had been

experiencing neck and shoulder pain. Over time the symptoms worsened, which prompted an MRI in late July revealing

the cervical spinal cord tumor. The surgeon indicated that ninety-eight percent of the time patients recover very well.

Thus, the result of Stefanie's surgery came as an utter shock to her husband and family. She is unable to return to work,

which causes the family extreme stress as they navigate a very uncertain future.

Currently, Stefanie is being treated at Hartford Hospital in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit, where she has remained for the last 8 weeks since her surgery. Stefanie and her husband have been told, if and when Stefanie is released from the ICU, Stefanie will need extensive hospitalization/rehab therapy at the Hospital for Special Care over a period of up to a year, followed by possible long term in-patient care. Stefanie and her husband have two little boys, ages 7 and 9, who are Stefanie's whole world. Stefanie misses her boys with all her heart, and the boys miss their mom. Stefanie's boys, husband, and family pray for full recovery.

As if this isn’t enough Stefanie’s husband has pending open heart surgery within the next year. Justin found out that he would be needing surgery in March of this year but had hope that he would be able to put the surgery off 5-10yrs. He has been informed that can’t happen.

Any donation or share can help relieve the immense stress both of them are under.