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A Short Message About Sara...

After an 18 month battle with AML and ALL (two types of Leukemia), Sara passed away, at home, with family by her side on Monday morning,age 6.

Over the last 6 months her family spent many weekends doing the things Sara loved -- spending time at the beach, visiting her grandmother in the Bay Area, drawing, traveling, and many other things. We knew this was a possibility, but chose to cherish and celebrate her remaining life instead of holing her up in a hospital. That was the right decision.

The outpouring of support throughout this battle has been a truly inspirational miracle -- we have met more kind-hearted strangers than we could ever imagine, and received so much from generous supporters as we fought to bring Sara through her cancer battle. We hope that Sara's strength in the face of disease, love in the face misery, and smile in the face of pain gives each of you a new hope for what is possible.

Through the work done to save Sara, other patients will find marrow donors in the years to come and go on to live happy lives -- this is Sara's legacy, and for that we are so very grateful.

Thank you to each of you who have worked so hard for Sara, and please always remember that no child should go through what she has ... and that increasing the number of willing Asian donors will ensure that. Please support marrow donation, and cherish those whom you love.

If you'd like to leave any comments or share how Sara may have touched your life, please feel free!

Update (Tuesday, Aug 16)

For those who have asked, cards can be sent to:

Ruehling Family
PO Box 458
Three Rivers, CA 93271

For those who so desire, gifts can be made in Sara's honor to either of the non-profit organizations below, both of which went all-out for Sara, and continue to fight for other patients:

Children's Hospital - Central California
http://www.childrenscentralcal.org/Giving.asp?ID=14

Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches (A3M)
231 East 3rd St. #G107
Los Angeles, CA 90013
http://www.asianmarrow.org/donationsa3m.htm

Update (Wednesday, Aug 17)

There will be a memorial service for Sara on Sunday, August 28th near Visalia - all who have loved her or been touched by her are absolutely welcome to come ... we would love to see you. Please see here for details.

Henriette Groot

*72	20:46 - 09.07.2005

Her life was too short but she found a lot of love.
Henriette
Central Coast Friends Meeting

Al and Ginger St.Michell

*71	12:42 - 08.31.2005

We were so sorry to get your letter about Sara. Our prayers go out to all of you during this sad time. How blessed Sara was to have each of you in her life. Take care of each other and let us know how you are doing. Love Ginger St.Michell

Martha Reading

*70	09:45 - 08.30.2005

Dear Ginger, Robert and Kelsey, I am so sorry that your sweet daughter and sister has lost her battle with cancer. I have been following her battle through the fwcc.org website. I know your pain is immense and indescribable. I lost my little brother to cancer years ago. Time does help ease the pain. I have also found it a comfort that through the my brother's cancer battle the medical profession learned so much that his type of cancer is now usually 100% cured. I believe that Sara's legacy will be the same and I hope you can find some comfort in that belief too. I am saying many prayers for you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Martha (Martha R in NJ)

Kate Kao

*69	01:19 - 08.28.2005

Dear Ginger, Robert, Kelsey and Verna,
I am very sorry for your loss of the brave Sara. We'll pray for Sara and your family.

Dear Sara,
I like the pictures you drew. They look colorful and happy. See the butterflies dancing over the flowers. You have a strong and happy soul, don't you? The battle is finally over now. Hope your soul can dance as happily as the butterfly, and can smile as cheerfully as the flowers again. Good girl, no tears. Give you a big hug. Just follow Buddha's steps and get the peace. ok? We'll all pray for you.

love and peace,
kate with Northern CA Tzu-Chi Bone Marrow Donation Team

Rick and Karen Bailey

*68	08:46 - 08.27.2005

Dear Ginger, Robert, Kelsey, and family,

Our hearts go out to you at the loss of your sweet Sara. How privileged we were to have known her and to see what a joy she was to your family. We cannot understand why a beautiful, innocent child would need to give such a valiant fight at such a young age, and why she should be taken away much too soon. We know that the lives of many are so much richer for having known Sara, and that many lives will continue to be touched as the cause of bone marrow donation continues.

Our thoughts, prayers, and hearts are with you now and in the months to come. We regret that we will be out of town on Sunday for Sara's memorial service. A memorial will be given to Children's Hospital in Sara's name to continue her cause.

We love you, Rick and Karen

Hanna Anderson family

*67	17:50 - 08.26.2005

We were deeply saddened to hear that Sara had passed away. Our 7 year old Hanna said today that Sara's love will live forever in our hearts and in her own family. It is true that Sara's legacy is the fact that more Asians are aware of the need for bone marrow and have joined the donor list. On behalf of all families who have adopted Asian children, we are grateful for Sara's life, but wish so badly that things could have been different. Sara touched our hearts in a way that is difficult to describe. Watching our own Chinese daughter, Hanna and Sara interact and play together was so beautiful and yet so emotional. Sara's strength inspired us. How lucky she was to have landed in such a loving family. Our hearts go out to Ginger, Robert and Kelsey -- we have enjoyed knowing you all as a family and know how hard you worked to save Sara. Peace be with you.

The Anderson Family (Rod, Susan and Hanna)

Anne, Kurt, Henry, and Katie Pfaff

*66	14:45 - 08.26.2005

Dear Robert, Ginger, and Kelsey,

I've been thinking and thinking, hoping inspiration will hit and that I'll have just the perfect thing to say. As I've reflected on Sara's life, your beautiful loving family, just life in general, I realize the reverse has happened...I have no great insights to give you, but your family has given us great inpiration. You've shown love and understanding in the face of an incomprehensible tragedy; you've shown strength of heart and character while bearing an immense weight; you've grown and blossomed in darkness when most of us would have withered. I am so thankful that I had the honor of knowing Sara during her brief life and also to count you all as our friends. You are amazing people.

You are always in our thoughts and hearts during this time of recovery. Call if there is ever anything we can do to help. Our deepest sympathies to you...

PS. We miss you Sara!!!

Patti & Robbie & Eve Robbins

*65	09:11 - 08.26.2005

What a blessing Sara had a loving family nurturing her short life. All of those who adopt often think about the ones left behind without a family of their own. My heart if heavy thinking about your loss. But the heaviness is lightened thinking about the love your family gave Sara in life.

Jonathan & Ann Rigdon

*64	15:30 - 08.25.2005

Dear Ginger, Robert, Kelsey and Verna:
We were so terribly saddened to learn that Sara's illness finally overcame her valiant struggle. She, and all of you, fought the good fight and that effort brought forth the best in so many others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love, Jonathan & Ann Rigdon

Jan and Jade Nissl

*63	07:35 - 08.25.2005

Ginger, Robert, and Kelsey,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember well the first IFCA events that you attended with sweet little Sara. It sounds like she touched many hearts in her short time. May your beautiful memories give you comfort.

Boise, Idaho

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