January 4, 2025 Update brings New Needs

We have some updates that were not expected after several months of positive scans and tests. In December Sarah received new biopsy results and was told the cancer is spreading and now in her lymph nodes also. She was put on multiple prayer chains and we thank so many who have been continuing to pray through this whole last year!

While waiting for the next appointment at James Hospital to find out the course of action another emergency event occurred. One week before Christmas, less than a week after the new prognosis was received, she was taken to ER and admitted to KMC with more fluid built up around her heart and lungs again and another pulmonary embolism. A surgery was completed to drain fluid, and a tube left inserted to continue draining.

There was a scare the night of the surgery. It is unknown what caused her blood pressure to plummet to around 67/59. Phillip had to jump into action and become a soldier to get attention to help her and put constant monitors on. Thankfully she was able to come home 3 days later, but has had to wear the drain device since.

It has been another rollercoaster ride the past month and the family is rallying plans to handle the school schedules, new twice weekly hospital trips and new chemo treatments added every week for the next month and then she will have to go every 3 weeks for the rest of her life. These trips to Columbus encompass both her and Phillip’s entire day, and going two days in a row and back each week. The whole family needs covered in prayer! Phillip will miss a lot of work meaning a significant decreased ability to provide the basic needs. He is committed to doing everything he can to help the love of his life be strong, get through and live!

Please continue to pray for her healing and for their family during this time! Your love, support and donations were beyond needed and they have been so filled with gratitude in the generosity and support from everyone!!

Please send Sarah a message of encouragement. I know it will mean everything to her!

—————-

Hello friends and family,

My name is Leah Engle and I have permission to start this fundraiser and share this very personal event by Sarah Young.

Sarah is my DIL. She and my eldest son, Phillip, have 3 beautiful children. 2 daughters, ages 5 and 7, and a son age 13. Sarah is only 33, is extremely artistic and caring, with a vibrant personality! She always steps up to help where needed, makes sure everything is done and those around her feel welcomed, loved and their needs are met. At family gatherings, she is always the biggest smile and most joyful laugh in the room, you are just drawn to her!

We are asking for all those who will, please keep Sarah and the family in prayers! Two weeks ago on February 12th, 2024, Sarah went to the ER feeling ill, with an initial diagnosis of pneumonia, extreme pain, a fluid filled lung, and fluid around her heart, it was a serious level of priority and immediate hospital admission. She had only felt ‘kind of sick’ for a few weeks!

In the next 24 hours, the shocking words suddenly came from a hospital physician, “you might have cancer”. A caring nurse rushed to Sarah after the Dr. left the room, apologizing over for the way that was said.

With a tube continuously draining her lung and all the emotions of uncertainty, test after test was completed. First results, need more tests; then days later, more results. Sarah was finally told she has Stage 4 lung cancer and it has metastasized to her heart.  If this wasn’t enough, a couple more days go by and she is told there are cancer cells in her brain. Sarah, Phillip and the family are devastated and in shock.

Next was a referral to James Cancer hospital, an hour and a half drive from their home to Columbus. Sarah was able to be discharged and follow up regarding the next steps. 3 days after discharge, more test results came in to determine what type of cancer. This revealed a diagnosis of Stage 4 metastatic non-small cell Lung Cancer. Next steps are to determine how far it is spread and how to attack it. 

Sarah proclaims she will fight this with all her might! The emotions related to this kind of diagnosis and the physical changes that have already started are ones so hard to understand unless you’ve been through it. Just a little over a week after coming home there have already been multiple doctor appointments and another ER visit. In a moment, their life has drastically changed. A young family quickly enduring the emotional, physical and financial strains. Phillip hasn’t been able to work as much, being by her side and caring for her, while also taking care of the children and home.

If you feel led to donate and assist during this sudden difficult time, and the upcoming battles, they would be so very grateful! All funds will go directly to Sarah’s care and her and Phillip’s family needs.

On behalf of Sarah, Phillip, and their children, I appreciate the outpouring of prayers, love and support shown to them over this past couple weeks, and undoubtedly in the months to come.

THE FIGHT BEGINS… We won’t let you fight alone! Please cover them in your Prayers!!