Life Update – From Our Hearts to YOURS.
Dec 26th, 2025
We wanted to share a meaningful update on Sara’s journey over the last six months as she continues to battle acute myeloid leukemia(AML).
It has been a road filled with unexpected turns, delays, and incredibly difficult moments — but also one that is finally beginning to show light ahead.
After many setbacks and long periods of uncertainty, Sara made the decision to leave The James completely. What should have been a clear and timely path toward transplant became an ongoing struggle. Appointments were repeatedly disrupted, communication felt impersonal, and Sara often felt like just another number in a system that didn’t truly see her as a person or listen when she advocated for herself. ( she is more than just a number. She is loved and deserves to be heard )
After being led to believe for months that transplant was moving forward, her transplant doctor ultimately denied it two weeks ago. From the end of September to mid November Sara was left in limbo with no treatment — a period when her transplant should have already happened. That delay caused her AML to relapse, (showing signs the cancer was back) forcing her to endure yet ANOTHER extremely aggressive round of chemotherapy. This has been a very difficult time, shes been super cautious of where she goes and who she’s around. She’s had zero immune system during this time and has been very distant, not by her own choice. Another very hard strenuous and difficult time to endure. Having to be distant
from friends and family is very hard. This meant more poison in her body when at this time she should have been receiving new blood, new DNA, and healing.
That last round of chemo was the hardest yet. Her blood counts stayed near zero, requiring constant transfusions of blood and platelets. Sara’s blood type is half a percent of the United States blood type, and there are only two sources in the Red Cross blood bank providing exact match blood and platelets that her body needs. This takes time and It’s has been a wiring game to get what her body needs, it’s been a battle every day. She dealt with overwhelming fatigue, bone pain, and long days that should never have been necessary. (Many don’t see or understand what she’s going through because she’s so strong and hides it very well). But It has been exhausting physically, emotionally, and mentally. And still is currently.
After all of this waiting and trying to heal, Sara transferred her care to OhioHealth Columbus — a decision that immediately felt RIGHT. It was instantly night and day experience from the “ factory” aka The James, where she was treated like nothing but a dollar sign and a number. (Trust me we are all angered that it’s been this long and nothing has been in Sara’s favor, or
our family’s favor)
From the very first visit at OhioHealth she was treated like a human being — someone they genuinely wanted to help. They asked about her life, her family, and truly took the time to know her. The team is small and consistent, meaning she will see the same people every visit — doctors, nurses, and a coordinator who is actively moving things forward. vs a mix of 20 people that doesn’t know her and that don’t care about her as a person. In a single visit at OhioHealth; more was done and accomplished than a month of visits at the James.
The new doctors were shocked to learn she had been left untreated for so long and confirmed that she never should have been given the chance to relapse. Hearing that was validating, but also heartbreaking.
Now, for the first time in months, we finally have hope and clarity more than ever. Sara will be admitted starting Monday the 29th for another round of chemo — meaning more time away from her babies and family during Christmas break and New Year’s. This is incredibly hard, but it is a necessary step forward. We PRAY this is the final step on the journey to get where she needs to be to make a full recovery.
The plan is to complete this cycle by the end of January and then move into transplant shortly after. In which our brother Jacob is the donor and 100% match (which is very rare, and we are beyond grateful this is the case) The transplant will require a 28–30 day hospital stay for Sara, followed by a 100-day recovery period with frequent trips to Columbus for labs and follow-ups. What should have taken less than six months will now be closer to eight unfortunately — but we are finally moving in the right direction!
Sara has been living in fear for months, weighed down by stress and anxiety from not knowing when or if transplant would happen. That fear is finally lifting. Answered prayers are beginning to appear, and the dark road is starting to lead toward light.
We ask for continued PRAYERS, LOVE, and SUPPORT , we cannot thank everyone enough that had checked in, prayed and supported our family through all of this! — it is VERY MUCH appreciated, for the help as we work toward covering ongoing bills and family needs. Disability income has still not started, and life expenses don’t stop. This battle has been overwhelming in every way, and Sara wants nothing more than her health and life back so she can continue making memories with her family. She misses the ‘normal’ life, the day to day conversations and activities that none of us think twice about. Let’s keep SUPPORTING her and help her through this tough journey!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for every prayer, message, donation, and act of kindness. Every single one of you means MORE than words can express. We truly could not do this without you. #SaraStrong !
Much Love,
The Leedys & Saxtons
#SaraStrong ️
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My sister is currently facing the toughest battle of her life: she’s undergoing intensive treatments for leukemia (acute myeloid leukemia - AML) the most aggressive. As a devoted HARD working mother, being away from her children and family while in the hospital is heartbreaking. The emotional and financial strain has left her family struggling to keep up with everyday expenses, medical bills, and the uncertainty of what comes next.
She has always put her family first and given her love and support to EVERYONE around her. Now, she needs our help more than ever. Your donation will help cover medical costs, support her children, and ease the burden on her family so they can focus on what matters most—her recovery.
Please consider giving what you can, sharing her story, and helping us bring her home to her family. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a world of difference. Thank you for your kindness and support. #SaraStrong!!!!