Today I turn 51.
This time last year, when I celebrated turning 50, my body didn’t feel like me. I was tired, bloated, aching, and uncomfortable in ways that were hard to explain. I remember wondering if I would ever feel at home in my body again.
Today feels different.
I feel stronger. More settled. More like myself. Not perfect, and not without challenges — but better in ways that matter.
This year, I’ve been surrounded by an incredible amount of love and light. From family, friends, coworkers, and people who showed up in ways I’ll never forget. I felt held — through prayers, kindness, presence, and grace — and I believe that mattered more than anything else.
I want to pause here to thank my family — especially my parents and my brothers. Their steady love, concern, and support have been a constant this year. Knowing my parents were there, worrying, praying, and loving me without condition, and having my brothers checking in and standing alongside me, gave me strength on days when I needed it most. Family has been a grounding force in every sense.
And I am especially grateful for Rob — my partner and my husband — who has been with me through all of it. Through the hard days and the uncertain ones. Through the quiet moments and the long nights. We have both been changed by this year, and in many ways, we are stronger now — together — than we were before.
This year also brought so much good. Watching Korbin and Kaitey continue to grow into themselves. Time with Layne, whose joy and curiosity light up everything. Creating a positive, supportive work environment and helping build a safer Alaska — work that feels meaningful and aligned with my values.
I carry a deep sense of spiritual gratitude. Gratitude for God’s presence in moments I didn’t think I could navigate. For grace that met me when I was tired or unsure. For divine timing that carried me forward, even when I couldn’t see what was ahead.
Turning 51 feels like a quiet milestone. A moment of awareness. A reminder that healing happens in layers, that love matters, and that life continues to unfold with purpose.
Here’s to 51.
Here’s to love, light, grace, and trust in the timing of it all.
Here’s to being here.
Health Update
From a medical standpoint, I’m currently on a PARP inhibitor (Lymparza), which works by targeting cancer cells’ ability to repair DNA — a therapy particularly effective for BRCA-related cancers. The goal of this phase is long-term stability and support, and so far, my body is tolerating it well.
My labs have remained steady and encouraging, which is one of the key ways my medical team monitors how both my body and the medication are doing over time. Rather than focusing on a single result, we look at overall patterns — organ function, blood counts, and consistency — and those trends have been calm and supportive.
Alongside medical treatment, I’m taking an integrative approach to healing. I receive acupuncture and massage, and I’ve recently added Rolfing to support my nervous system, mobility, and overall balance. I walk every day, prioritize rest, and focus on nourishing my body with whole foods while limiting sugar. These choices help support my energy, recovery, and sense of well-being.
Healing, for me, is about partnership — between medicine and lifestyle, science and intuition — and about supporting my body as it continues to do the work it knows how to do.
Fireside with Sarah. 