Family of Mendon Presents Wilmot with $50,000 Donation in Recognition of Daughter's Exceptional Service
In a heartwarming turn of events, 19-year-old Sarah Moore from Rochester, New York, has recently been declared cancer-free after a gruelling nine-month battle with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer.
Sarah's journey began in August 2022 when she was diagnosed with stage 2b osteosarcoma. The tumour, larger than a softball at 13 centimeters, was located in her original leg bone. The diagnosis was a shock to Sarah and her family, but they sought opinions from several prominent cancer centres and were reassured that they were in great hands at the Wilmot Cancer Institute.
Sarah underwent three major surgeries and nine months of chemotherapy, during which she faced numerous complications. These included COVID-19, blood clots, and infections, one of which was caused by Streptococcus bacteria. Despite these setbacks, Sarah's resilience never wavered.
The medical team at Wilmot Cancer Institute, led by Adrienne Victor, Marcia Krebs, and Susan McDowell, worked tirelessly to support Sarah throughout her treatment. In recognition of their efforts, Sarah's parents, Connie and Bob Moore, raised $50,000 at the 2023 Discovery Ball for the institute, with the donation also serving as an investment in future research.
A significant turning point in Sarah's treatment came when Dr. Victor coordinated an immunotherapy program for her. This therapy, which could boost her chances of a cure by another 10%, is approved in Europe but considered investigational in the U.S.
After months of antibiotics in 2023 and another surgery, Sarah's wounds finally healed. A new donor tibia and hardware were used to rebuild her leg. The end of her treatment was celebrated with an ice-cream truck parked outside Wilmot Cancer Institute, bringing joy to the nurses, staff, patients, and families.
Now cancer-free, Sarah wants to thank the WCC7 team for their support and is contemplating a career in nursing, inspired by the care she received during her treatment. She is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of medical research and care.
Sarah's cancer journey, driven by osteosarcoma, a challenging medical-condition, led her to consider a career in health-and-wellness, specifically nursing. Her experience with the cutting-edge immunotherapy program, while still investigational in the U.S., significantly contributed to her being cancer-free today.
