On July 6, 2007, Sara was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. She underwent many surgeries, chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, and procedures of all sorts. Sara's initial brain surgery left her with significant deficits such as left-sided weakness and double vision. Sara worked very hard in a variety of therapies to regain her strength, coordination, and independence. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia became a home away from home for Sara and her family. She and her mother lived there for seven months and her family visited every day as Sara fought bravely for her life.

On February 1, 2008 Sara left CHOP and returned home following her last round of chemotherapy. Her cancer was in remission. However, a few weeks later, Sara was showing signs of difficulty. Tragically, her three-month follow-up MRI revealed that the cancer had come back with a vengeance. Only three days later, on May 12th, Sara passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family and many friends.

Sara leaves behind a legacy of hope and love that has affected thousands. She battled her disease with fierce determination and an unwavering positive attitude. While at CHOP for those seven long months, she lived every moment to its fullest, even under the most adverse circumstances. Although physically distant from her friends and family, Sara was able to harness the power of the love and support that was constantly given to her. This energy filled her heart, brightened her attitude, and strengthened her resolve to fight.

Throughout her seven-month stay at CHOP, Sara was frequently transferred to different rooms. Yet, she and her family created a positive environment in each room they occupied. They decorated the walls and windows with artwork and personal mementos. Games, books, music, and arts and crafts supplies filled baskets along the walls. Hospital equipment was often used in new and creative ways. Races, scavenger hunts, and various activities were invented to cheerfully pass time. When Sara was in extreme isolation due to her suppressed immune system, her family and friends even threw a surprise "support party" for her right outside her window.

Sara was also able to maintain a positive attitude throughout her battle because of her knowledge of her disease and all of the procedures involved. Her family carefully explained to her, in simple but accurate terms, everything that was happening to her. Sara understood what cancer meant, how the drugs worked, what each procedure entailed and why each was needed. This knowledge empowered Sara. It removed some of the fear and even allowed her to be playful at times when some children would never dream they could be. Whenever possible, Sara administered her own medications and added light-hearted, personal touches to many of her experiences.

Sara's Smiles is a foundation that was created by Sara's family to carry on her memory, spirit, and legacy of hope, determination, and cheer. They feel that it is crucial for children of any age to understand what is happening to them throughout their battle against cancer. One mission of Sara's Smiles is to provide parents the means to communicate with their children, educate them, and empower children to take an active part in their own experience.

Another aim of Sara's Smiles is to extend a loving hand in creating a positive environment and upbeat experiences. Sara made many, many happy memories in the hospital and this was the primary inspiration for the foundation. Sara's Smiles wants to help make happy memories for all children who are struggling with cancer by creating activities, providing supplies and projects, decorating rooms, and fashioning other unique experiences tailored to each child's unique personality and individual interests and needs.

Hearing the diagnosis of cancer is both shocking and frightening and the hospital can be a scary place. Many families are unable to imagine happiness as part of the equation. Some may feel joy is inappropriate, others simply may not know how to incorporate it into their "new" lives. Sara's Smiles was created to help.

Smiles are essential for any child's well-being and Sara's Smiles would like to provide them at a time when they are needed most.

All donations to Sara's Smiles are tax-deductible.

Checks may be made payable to
"The Philadelphia Foundation/ Sara's Smiles"
and mailed to
The Philadelphia Foundation
1234 Market Street, Suite 1800
Philadelphia, PA 19107

The official registration and financial information of The Philadelphia Foundation
may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 1-800-732-0999.