From the Twisp Fire to ovarian cancer, I’ve faced fears I never thought I could. Yesterday I finished my last chemo infusion, with faith, love, and gratitude carrying me through.
Quick Update:
Final chemo infusion completed (Aug 19, 2025)
CA-125: 10
Next steps:
CT scan / Dr appointment — September 22/24
Port removal goal — December 1
Ten Years, Two Battles
Yesterday, I sat in the infusion chair for the last time. Infusion #6. What I once feared would break me has instead become another chapter of strength, faith, and grace.
Ten years ago today, August 20, 2015, I was standing in a very different kind of unknown. I had just been asked to serve as the lead Information Officer on a Type 1 Incident Management Team (PNW2). It was the day after the Twisp Fire, when we lost three wildland firefighters. Stepping into that role—carrying the story and leading the information response after such a heartbreaking tragedy—was one of my greatest fears.
Now, a decade later, I’ve faced another fear: ovarian cancer. And just like then, I’ve found that the only way through the unknown is with courage, faith, a strong team, and the steady love and prayers of those around me.
The good news? My CA-125 marker is now 10—a sign of real progress.
It’s a strange thing to look back on the last decade and see how different battles can carry the same lessons. Both times, I learned:
Fear is real, but it doesn’t define us. We are stronger than we ever imagine. Teams—whether firefighters or doctors, friends or family—carry us farther than we can walk alone. Faith is what steadies the ground when everything else feels uncertain.
I am deeply thankful for every prayer, every kind word, every bit of love that has lifted me.
Ten years, two defining battles. And through it all, I know the same truth:
We are braver than we think.
We are never alone.
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” — Psalm 121:1–2
Looking Ahead
As I step into this next season, I do so with gratitude and hope. The hardest part of treatment is behind me, and the road forward is about healing, rebuilding strength, and learning to live fully again. There will still be scans, appointments, and milestones ahead, but I choose to see them not as fears to face, but as markers of progress and life. I know I am surrounded by love, held up by prayer, and guided by faith. And that gives me courage for whatever comes next.
Fireside with Sarah. 
love you!
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