Meet the runners who will be representing Expect Miracles Foundation and raising funds for our mission at the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on November 1.
Sarah E.
At 38 years old, Sarah E. has faced more challenges than most. A three-time breast cancer survivor, she has fought tirelessly not only for her health but also for the future she and her husband, Jarrod, have always dreamed of: building a family.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Sarah was first diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in November 2017, just three weeks after her 31st birthday. Having recently moved to a new city to be closer to family, she had only been in her new job for three weeks when she discovered a lump. Without health insurance at the time, she delayed going to the doctor, and by the time she was diagnosed, her treatment plan required an aggressive approach. The financial burden of cancer treatment alone was overwhelming, and in December 2019, Sarah faced a recurrence, forcing her into another round of treatment. The prospect of building a family seemed to drift further from reach.
Finding Love and Holding On to Hope
Despite the hardships, Sarah’s story is one of love and resilience. She met her husband, Jarrod, in December 2020, as she was finishing chemotherapy. Just sixteen days after they got engaged, Sarah learned her cancer had returned once again. Instead of delaying their future, they chose to face it head-on and they married in an intimate living room ceremony on January 4, 2023.
With new hope, Sarah underwent an embryo retrieval in February 2023, marking the first tangible step toward their dream of parenthood. However, the costs remained staggering, even with insurance.
Overcoming Financial Barriers
The journey through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is not only physically and emotionally demanding but financially draining. From embryo banking to genetic testing, every step carried significant costs, pushing Sarah and Jarrod to their financial limits.
This grant wasn’t just about the financial support, it was about hope. It was about not having to delay our dream of becoming parents any longer.
Receiving a SAMFund grant from Expect Miracles Foundation was a turning point. It alleviated their financial burden and a significant amount of stress.
Looking Ahead with Renewed Optimism
Now in remission Sarah is filled with cautious optimism. Though the road has been long and challenging, she now looks forward with joy and gratitude, as she and Jarrod have recently learned they are expecting a baby.
I want anyone going through this to know that there is help out there. If you’re struggling, apply for a SAMFund grant. There are people who care and there are organizations willing to help. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Her experience has also shaped her perspective on life and work. Having spent years as an Early Intervention Service Coordinator, Sarah has dedicated her career to helping families navigate challenges. For Sarah, sharing her story is about more than just recounting her journey; it’s about inspiring others who may be facing similar struggles.
We’re not at the end of our journey yet, but for the first time in a long time, we feel like we’re truly moving forward.
Sarah’s story is one of resilience, love, and unwavering determination. Though cancer tried to take so much from her, it never took away her hope. Thanks to the generosity of Expect Miracles Foundation and the support of her loved ones, she and Jarrod are one step closer to making their dream a reality.
About EMF’s SAMFund Grant Program
Due to the high costs associated with treatment and survivorship, young adults experience financial toxicity at a greater level than any other age group. SAMFund grants help to alleviate the financial burden resulting from cancer treatment. Thank you to donors for supporting EMF’s SAMFund Grant Program. Because of your generosity, we are helping young adult cancer survivors build bridges to help them get where they were intended to go before cancer disrupted their lives.
What SAMFund Grant Recipients Say
Make Miracles
Join us in the fight against cancer and be part of the community that is making miracles happen today. Your donation is an investment in our Research and Discovery Funds, which invests in life-saving cancer research, and EMF’s SAMFund, which provides financial assistance for young adult cancer survivors.
Get Involved
Every dollar we raise brings us closer to a world free from the grip of cancer. But we can’t do it alone. Join us in this life saving journey. No matter who you are, where you come from, you have a place at Expect Miracles Foundation. Cancer knows no boundaries, and neither does our mission. Stand alongside us in the fight against cancer.
Make Miracles
Join us in the fight against cancer and be part of the community that is making miracles happen today. Your donation is an investment in our Innovation and Discovery Funds, which invests in life-saving cancer research, and EMF’s SAMFund, which provides financial assistance for young adult cancer survivors.
Invest in Hope
Corporate sponsors lead our life-saving mission and gain access to influential business networking opportunities at EMF events, which range from galas to golf tournaments and more. As a sponsor you can cultivate relationships in the financial services industry while having a life-changing impact on the cancer community.