Hi everyone,

I’m writing this on behalf of my best friend, Sarah Hammer-Kroening, someone who would never ask for help like this herself, even when she truly needs it.

Sarah is strong, independent, deeply proud, and a devoted mother. She is the kind of person who pushes through pain quietly, shows up for others without hesitation, and carries more than her share without ever asking for anything in return. Unfortunately, this past year has brought medical challenges that strength and determination alone cannot solve.

On May 14, 2025, Sarah suddenly experienced severe and uncontrollable pain in her left arm. The pain continued to worsen throughout the night, and by morning her arm had begun turning blue and she could no longer move her hand. She was rushed to the emergency department and ultimately life flighted for extensive emergency vascular surgery. In the span of just four days, Sarah underwent five surgeries in an effort to save her arm. Thankfully, that effort was successful, though the severity of those early days led to ongoing complications she continues to work through.

Since then, Sarah has undergone seven surgeries total, with at least one additional surgery still ahead. Complications from these procedures led to paralysis of her diaphragm, significantly impacting her breathing. As a result, she continues to require supplemental oxygen for much of her day, along with ongoing medical care, treatment, and rehabilitation. It has been a long and exhausting road, one she has faced with remarkable resilience.

The medical care required throughout 2025 has resulted in a significant and overwhelming amount of medical bills, many of which remain outstanding. In addition, Sarah is now facing the need for further surgery in 2026. Unfortunately, this procedure has been denied by insurance, and she continues to fight through appeals in hopes of getting it approved. At the same time, she must be prepared for the possibility of moving forward with surgery out of pocket if approval does not come in time. Managing existing medical bills while preparing for potential future costs has created an enormous financial strain.

For those who do not know her well, Sarah is a former Olympian, a mother, and someone who has dedicated her life to the sport of cycling. Since retiring from competition in 2017, she has continued to serve the cycling community, working extensively on the Paralympic side of the sport in support of athletes, programs, and development. Giving back has always been central to who she is.

Sarah and I became close in the lead up to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, which were her final Games and my first. From the beginning, she was the big sister, steady, protective, and always looking out for me. She has spent her life taking care of others. Right now, I want to make sure she feels that same care coming back to her.

She would never ask for financial support herself, which is why I am doing it for her. This is not about charity. It is about community, compassion, and stepping in when someone who has always carried herself with quiet strength needs support.

Funds raised will go directly toward medical bills and surgical expenses incurred in 2025, anticipated medical and surgical costs in 2026, prescriptions, treatments, and ongoing care, travel and related costs for specialized medical appointments, and therapy or rehabilitation as part of recovery.

Any support helps. And if you are not in a position to donate, simply sharing this page means more than you know.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for supporting someone who truly deserves the space and support to focus on her health.

With sincere gratitude,

Chloé