From a friend of the family:

Please read the below regarding a member of the Chappaqua Custodial staff.  His daughter, Sara, was diagnosed with pediatric leukemia and his family needs our help.

My friend's daughter, Sara, is the light in his family's life.  She is smart, kind, thoughtful, shy, beautiful, and so much more.  The week before Christmas, after taking her to the doctor for a high fever, they received the worst news of their lives; she was diagnosed with pediatric leukemia (aplastic anemia, which is actually more rare and challenging to treat). 

I don't have the vocabulary to express the pain that comes with this diagnosis.  To see this six year old child feel so ill and have to suffer so much... It is overwhelmingly painful.  But I know my friend feels that he has to stay strong - for his other two children, and most of all, for Sara.  She needs to see their (and our) positive thinking and hope.  Because, in the midst of such darkness, they continue to feel hope and strength that she will recover.

Since the diagnosis, Sara has been admitted to Maria Ferrari hospital in Valhalla and is expected to be there at least until May.  My friend's 19 month old was found to be a bone marrow match, so he went in last Wednesday for the harvest.  He's so little and yet, he's Sara's only chance.  Seeing him laying in the hospital... Well, that's not where any 19 month old should be.  But he's recovering well.

Sara has begun chemotherapy and the bone marrow transplant is scheduled for January 20th.  After that, they will continue the chemotherapy, and continue to hope.  Of course we will hope it is effective, we will hope she does not get one of many, many types of infections to which she will be susceptible, and we will hope that remission is on the horizon.

Since one of Sara's parents has to be at the hospital every day and night, my friend's wife had to resign from her job as a teacher in the Bronx.  My friend goes to the hospital in between work shifts and in the evenings. 

They are a family of 5, living on one income, and the medical bills are already adding up.  They need food, clothing, and all the other expenses that come along for their two other children, while continuing to attempt to pay the bills for Sara's treatments.  My friend feels so fortunate enough to be employed within the Chappauqa School system, but living on a single salary does not begin to allow coverage of the incredible amount of costs associated with Sara's diagnosis, and daily life.

With more sadness than I can ever express, I wanted to share my friend's story with the Chappaqua community and others, because we need help.  He is a hardworking, private and prideful person and letting me share this is incredibly difficult for him... But he is allowing me to do so for his daughter, because he will do anything for her.  Any small contribution helps and I (and my friend's family) am forever thankful for your time and consideration.  Please keep Sara in your prayers and you will be in mine.  Thank you, thank you.

RESPONSE FROM SARA'S MOM & DAD

Mario and I wanted to express our gratitude for the amazing response and support we have received from the community. Thank you to everyone who has made a donation to help ease the difficult situation our family currently finds itself in. The outpouring of love is so heartwarming and is appreciated beyond measure. God bless.

 Lots of love,

Deirdre Martinez