Sarah DeGraves was only 22 when she was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. After undergoing chemotherapy, she was in remission for 10 months, but the leukemia returned. At that point, it was determined that more intense chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant was required. Genetic testing revealed that her brother was a match, and he donated the stem cells for the procedure.
Sarah was incredibly thankful for the support of her family and the hospital staff that supported her through the lengthy treatment process. They always helped her stay positive by sitting with her, helping her plan her wedding, and simply being there for her. Despite the difficult recovery process, Sarah was confident that she would get well.
And she was right. For the five-year anniversary of her stem cell transplant, Sarah and four friends ran in the Virginia Beach Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon. They raised over $12,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the largest voluntary health organization funding research and facilitating easier access to treatment for blood cancer patients. Since completing her half marathon, Sarah has traveled the world and taken up scuba diving.