Sarah’s Hope Fund

01/26/2022

Hello all!

I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted an update, so I thought today would be as good a day as any to come on!

In the past month I have completed treatments 6 and 7, and now only have 5 more left! With so many going around, I did end up catching a cold between treatment 6 and 7, so unfortunately recovery from treatment has been a bit harder this time than usual.

On the bright side, I have been able to do several things that I haven’t had the patience to do previously while weak in bed. Despite the heavy eye bags you may notice in my photo, I definitely can say I’ve made up all the sleep I lost in college!😂 I also have taken new interest in reading, simple crafts, and movie marathons!

On top of all of that I am very happy to say that I’ve officially begun my vet school applications! Research on different schools, locations, and focuses is also something I have been throwing the little time I have awake into.

Like I said in my last post, I’m so excited to look to my future, and proud of myself more than ever before.

While there have been some losses and sickness in the past few weeks, I’ve continued to try and see the positive, which has proved to be a contagious perspective with my family and care givers responding with positivity as well.

In the past few weeks, my boyfriend as well as a couple of our closest friends launched a website selling clothing, called Flamingo TM, with a portion of sales going to a cause they all are very passionate about, transgender youth. If you’re interested, check it out! Seeing his passion going into something aside from caring for me all the time has given me more than enough reason to smile lately, and we are both excited to impact the world with our organizations, no matter how small the impact may be. 🙂

While our fundraising events for Sarah’s Hope are temporarily on hold due to covid, cold and flu season, and day to day busyness, the hope is still here, and we can still accept donations to our square link if you are willing and able! https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLJ4N1CS0124Y/checkout/M23A5QY4ZBUH5VZ4WR54EOQG

I hope you all are staying safe, warm, and happy these days, and I look forward to reporting the rest of my journey, and I look forward to the future of Sarah’s Hope Fund and what we can do together.

With Love and Hope,
Sarah💜💪🏼

12/22/2021

12.20.2021✨

According to Merriam Webster, “hope” is defined as:

“hope; verb (‘hōp) : to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true”

The “and” in this definition is (in my opinion) what Sarah’s Hope Fund represents.

Not only do we want specific things to be true, we as a community BELIEVE those things CAN be true. I think the positivity and mindset behind that is so important. Sarah’s Hope wants AND believes several things can be true and/or happen.

1. We hope that miracles exist.
2. We hope that we can move hearts to a more positive and generous state, especially through such trying times in the world.
3. We hope that someday, no one will have to go through cancer treatment alone. No one will have to be scared and isolated through healing.
4. We hope families, friends, children, elderly, and communities impacted by cancer stay strong and become educated through each part of their experiences.
5. (Probably the most obvious) We hope for cure. We hope that I go into remission. We hope that other patients go into remission. And we hope that those in a roadblock in treatment or those who are just starting treatment take it one step at a time, understand it’s okay to be scared, then hop back up on the horse to get back to kicking cancer’s butt.

12.20.2021✨

This day. The best day. And no, not just because cool people like Jonah Hill and Dr. Pimple Popper celebrate birthdays, but so much more.

On 12.20.2021, my amazing doctor at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston confirmed that my body is now cancer-free after four treatments.

Yes, you read that right, I’m now technically in remission! Initially, the appointment I had scheduled was to determine if I would need radiation treatment after I finish with chemotherapy, which was determined by an updated pet scan of my body. The anxiety leading up to the appointment felt like a huge weight, but luckily I was accompanied by my dad the whole day, and my mom was involved on the phone through the appointment since she was unable to attend physically due to covid protocols. As the doctor physically showed my dad and I the scan, and explained it to my mom who couldn’t see them, my eyes started to water.

From my perspective, it felt like the elephant standing on my shoulders got up and ran away, and a tidal wave of bright rainbow relaxation and happiness flooded the entire room. Two emotions I haven’t fully felt in a very long time finally returned. I felt confident instead of powerless. I DID THAT. The hell that chemotherapy and cancer in general caused no longer matter. My days of sleeping on the bathroom floor in pain, the days I sleep uncontrollably nonstop despite wanting to dance and walk through the park like usual, EVERYTHING was worth it.

They say Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is a highly curable disease. The survival rates are much higher than other types of cancer. However, when diagnosed with any type stage four cancer, I think it’s normal to be nervous. I think it’s normal to wonder if you’ll be in the 6-9% of people who don’t make it past five years after diagnosis. Thinking of the future terrified me. The unknown terrified me. At the beginning of my diagnosis, even though I was trying to stay so positive, the little lady in my subconscious probably could’ve listed off all her preferences for decorations and music to be played at my funeral. The amount of joy I had in evicting her and those scary thoughts from my brain is indescribable. And I have comfort in doing that now.

Someone told me, to beat this disease, i have to learn to be more selfish. I have to take care of myself first so I can recover to full health and then I can go back to giving. I was told to ask for what I need and take all help I’m offered, because you’ll never know what could help. That’s something I’ve always struggled with. Even though cancer was the requirement for me to start practicing self care, self love and confidence, and to recognize my worth, I don’t regret a minute. And I’m so grateful for every person and all the help I’ve received so far.

However, now looking to the future is exciting again. For starters, instead of using my down time trying to not cry and learning all kinds of new craftsto distract myself, after discussion with my family, I’ve decided to use the time that I am bedridden to reach for my goals. Today I started studying for the last test I need to finish in order to apply to vet school. And I couldn’t be more excited.

What I’m MOST excited for is the future of Sarah’s Hope Fund. Right now, I still have to finish chemotherapy treatment and have blood testing and scans and doctors visits to confirm nothing comes back and everything goes well and stays well. So for the time being the proceeds will still help to offset medical bills. But I have so many ideas Sarah’s Hope Fund and how it can impact the world.It won’t die in my remission. After seeing and learning so much through genuine human compassion and generosity, I want to be the biggest supporter for anyone struggling in the same way all of you have been for me.

Treatment 4 two weeks ago, and treatment 5 today both went well. Again stomach problems had me in pain and upset most days, but as usual I tried my best to keep a positive mindset. 7 more treatments left. That number is going down fast! 🙂 I thank you all for the continued thoughts and prayers.

Included in the photos are some of my highlights this week- including celebratory ice cream with my dad, the announcement being shared with my amazing coworkers and friends, and blanket forts and movies with Danny. Wish I captured photos of more but so happy to be present in each moment.😊

As for hope, mine will never fade. I believe all of the things listed above can be true. If not today, someday. And I will put in all the work I can to try and assist in pushing those ideas into reality.

With the amount of times that I have written the words “joy”, “hope” and “believe” in this post you’d think I’m referring to the movie The Polar Express. On that note, Happy Holidays! And for those of you who celebrate Christmas, I hope it’s very merry!

God gave me and my family the best gift of all. I’m genuinely satisfied and genuinely content in this moment.

Thank you for taking the time to read, hoping you’re all happy and healthy TOO.
-Sarah💜💪🏼

Also, just a quick thank you to the AYJ fund for the Christmas gift! Happy to share the pics of my cats that I never knew I needed with this post that your gift allowed me to take😊

12/07/2021

For exactly two weeks now, I’ve sat in this exact spot on my couch trying to find the words for this post.

Everyone keeps asking, “How are you?” Lately, I’m left speechless, so I’ve decided to answer using some things that I’ve witnessed and found beauty in recently.

I feel Joy. Like a five year old kid who just won a basket of candy, which obviously is even better than winning the lottery.

I feel Inspiring. Like a couple who has beaten sickness and can help strangers now in need with a personal memo praying for a miracle.

I feel Special. Like a little girl who was gifted a tiara from the only other lady in the room wearing a crown. Of course she has to run and show the rest of her family.

I feel Strong. Like someone who can tie a whole Christmas tree to the roof of a car. By themselves.

I feel Transformed. Like a couple of dancers preparing to go on stage and perform the same choreography they were set to do two years ago, but this time better and stronger. And this time in honor of someone lucky to call them friends.

I feel Spontaneous. Like a kind hearted person, in the drive thru of dunkin’ donuts, buying the old friend in the car behind her breakfast on Thanksgiving for no reason other than to make them smile. I promise it did.

I feel in Awe. Like a couple of kitties and a rat seeing a real Christmas tree for the very first time in their fur-ever home, covered in lights and shiny things. SO. MUCH. GLITTER.

More than anything, I feel Gratitude. Like a lady in her 20 somethings who’s community not only donates money towards her success, but also their time, prayers and kind words. Like someone who is welcomed with appreciation and smiles each day at work. Like a girlfriend that VERY rarely ever has to cook a meal. Like a child, grandchild, and niece that the word “spoiled” isn’t extreme enough to describe. Like a sister, who’s brother will go to the store and buy food for her, even though she lives on the other side of town, just because she asked and is craving shepherds pie tonight.

Like a lady who has so much to be grateful for, reflecting and writing out everything could fill more than just a Facebook post, but a full book. A book double the size of a dictionary.

I’d like to personally thank everyone who donated, attended, coordinated, and worked at my spaghetti fundraiser last month! Nothing could ever explain how much it means to me having the support that I do in this community. Talking with all my family, friends, and meeting some new people really lifted my spirits and changed my perspective in general in such a positive way.

3 treatments down, 1 tomorrow, then 8 more remaining. This past time was much easier than any of the treatments prior. I finally was able to return to work for a few full days, I was able to take a few small adventures, and I was able to spend time doing (and eating😊) the things I love! Happy to be going into a new cycle refreshed and relaxed!

I bet you guys never knew “How are you?” was such a loaded question. 😊

I may have spent exactly two weeks looking for words, but in the end, I really just want to say two.

Thank you.💜

-Sarah

12/03/2021

We would like to take this time to thank each and every one of you who have shown support to Sarah through our Hope Fund spaghetti dinner fundraiser, held this past Sunday, November 28th.

The outpouring of support, kind words, and generous donations made our event extremely successful. We are beyond words to let you all know how much our community means to us. We could not have been as successful without all your help, support, and thoughts and prayers for Sarah.

From all of Sarah’s Family,
THANK-YOU 🙏🏻❤️

SarahsHope 💜


11/28/2021

Spaghetti Dinner today at the North Adams American Legion, 1pm-5pm. Come on Down! Bake sale, TV Raffle, 50/50, HUGE Chinese Auction (Over 60 Items!)

11/26/2021

Join us for Dinner, a Chinese Auction, and a chance to win a 50" Roku TV!
Purchase your tickets here:
Adults; https://square.link/u/lWpMTlg6
Seniors/Children; https://square.link/u/v6iVUWlt

Tickets also available locally at the following fantastic businesses!!
Ernies Auto Sales - North Adams
The Styling Studio - North Adams
Papa Charlie's Deli - Williamstown
Unlimited Nutrition- Williamstown
AJs Trailside Pub - Adams

11/19/2021

Hope to see you there

Join us for Dinner, a Chinese Auction, and a chance to win a 50" Roku TV!
Purchase your tickets here:
Adults; https://square.link/u/lWpMTlg6
Seniors/Children; https://square.link/u/v6iVUWlt

Tickets also available locally at the following fantastic businesses!!
Ernies Auto Sales - North Adams
The Styling Studio - North Adams
Papa Charlie's Deli - Williamstown
Unlimited Nutrition- Williamstown
AJs Trailside Pub - Adams

11/15/2021

Hi all!

Sarah here, just stopping in with a quick update! Treatment #2 has come and gone, only ten more to go! These past couple weeks have been tough both mentally and physically, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been pushing through anyways! 90% of my time has been sleeping, but the rest of it has been spent smiling. My kitties and rat baby are so very happy to have mom home to snuggle each day. (Looking at the picture, you’d never guess a few months ago my little rescued boys were too scared to let anyone touch them!)

All of the donations, cards, prayers, meals, gifts, and kind words we have received have not gone unnoticed, and I am so so very grateful.

Spaghetti Dinner tickets as well as keychains are still available, you can get yours by using the message button on the Sarah’s Hope Fund Page to communicate with us, or using the link attached to some of our other posts!

I’m very excited to see a bunch of you next weekend, just a reminder masks are required at the event!

As I sit here mastering the arts of sudoku and cross stitching, I hope you all are staying safe, warm and happy!

Thank you again for all the support,
Sarah💜💪🏼

11/10/2021

For all those who have been asking how our girl Sarah is doing…. She had her second treatment which mean the completion of the first cycle. Five more cycles to go. Sarah is tired and some of the side effects of the chemo are making her uncomfortable, but the medications are a huge help. She continues to fight with courage and an amazing spirit and we are all so proud of her. We again thank you for all the love, prayers, and support. We are one day closer to kicking this beast’s ass!

Sarah's family

10/27/2021

Hi all!
For those of you who don’t know me, I am Sarah Czarnecki, the one whom all of your love and support through Sarah’s Hope Fund is currently going to. (For those of you who do know me, what’s up i’m still Sarah Czarnecki lol)

My LOVELY family has started this page in order to assist me while i go through treatment and a lot of other stressful things at this time, so I can focus on myself. Because I am so focused on life as a patient, I haven’t had much of a moment to post and participate within the community of this fund. However, I think it’s very important that I do!

For a while now I have been trying to think of how to put together my words to express how I’m feeling and to update and connect with you on a deeper level since your love, thoughts, prayers, donations and support has been so beneficial to me. It’s become clear that a lot of the time I’m left speechless so that is going to be difficult, but I’m still going to try, so please bare with me:)

For starters, I think it’d be great to introduce myself a little more!
Like I said, my name is Sarah Czarnecki, I’m a 23 year old girl who attended both Drury High School and MCLA. Since then, I have graduated with a bachelors degree in biology with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine and have been working a full time job as a veterinary assistant. For those of you who don’t know me, you should know that’s pretty much my dream, or at least the start of the journey towards my larger dream of becoming a veterinarian one day. Aside from that, I’m pretty much just your typical young adult female! I prefer pizza over salad and can barely use a can opener. I complain on the daily about waking up early (despite loving my job so much) and annoying my boyfriend with weird noises and constant affection is what I pride myself in being best at. Outside of work, I spend half of my time sleeping, and the other half on tiktok. In my classic introverted style I was never big on parties, but sure am on Squid Game, Bob’s Burgers, and reality tv. Dancing, art, listening to music, and being in the fresh air are some other things I’m passionate about. Driving on the other hand? Not my favorite. And if you ask anyone on the road with me they’d probably say riding with me isn’t their favorite either. Oops.

I mean, that is what normal young adults are like, right?

If not, I don’t want to be normal.

Next, I wanted to dive into my journey so far a bit!
Back in August I started feeling chest pain and went to the doctor. After several tests and a procedure, it was official that I no longer was that “typical young adult.” I was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Talk about my world falling apart (and this time, only exaggerating half as much as usual).
Yes, all the things I said before are still true, but now there’s additional concerns and varying emotions raging all around me and within myself.

For me, my early twenties were kind of acting as a transition period between being a teenager and a grown adult. I’m sure a lot of people can agree that a lot of the basics of what they know stems from these early years, and is built on with age and maturity. Since August, I kind of pressed the fast forward button on that maturity and realization. I’ve had to make quite a few tough decisions and face a lot that other people of my age won’t have to face.

But that’s far from being a bad thing. From the beginning, I’ve always said for every negative thought I get, I have to think of two positive ones to contradict it. If the effects were still present without the cause of my situation, I don’t think I could think of a single aspect that has not improved. Getting cancer was never included in my plan for life (that just included becoming a vet, getting married, traveling the world, and adopting every animal that ever lived), but I have to say, I was in a really good place, and clearly have enough support behind me to carry whatever I need to. I couldn’t think of a better time for something so generally negative to strike. Each day I’m learning something new, meeting someone new (in the safest ways of course), and growing as a person.

Some days are great, some days are horrible, both physically and emotionally. Some days it feels like all the positive thoughts I usually try and keep won’t be enough to overpower the fear and pain associated with cancer. But, that’s where all of you come in. I have received so many thoughtful cards, gifts, messages, prayers, donations, a beautiful photo shoot, a cute haircut, and so much more. Seeing how many people care and have my back and will help me to embrace the negativity (I’m a big believer it’s okay to feel what you need to feel) and then help push me back onto that horse of strength that’s pulling me through this.

Thank you to everyone who attended the spaghetti fundraiser meeting and also to those who helped me and my family build keychains at the craft night this weekend! Catching up and discussing things(in and outside the realm of my disease) made me feel so loved.

For my closest family: Mom, Dad, Dawn, Danny, Brian, Gabby, Adam, Ryan, Gramma and Tilly:
When I try and think of how much strength we have as a team, I start crying tears of joy. There’s nothing we can’t face, there’s nothing I can’t tell you, there’s nothing stopping us. Gratitude isn’t strong enough of a word to explain how I feel. Strong isn’t enough to represent what I see in all of you. I will always be here for you all in the same way you are for me. We will get through this, never believe you’re useless or aren’t doing enough just because you can’t take the tumors out yourselves. When I feel how you make me feel, it gives me more strength to rip them out in your honor, as well as mine. Let’s tell this monster SAYONARA. Love you all.

Words cannot express how grateful I am for EVERY SINGLE person seeing this, for taking time out of their day to read this looooong update and for thinking of me.

Today was my first day of treatment, and it went very well. I can’t speak highly enough of the employees at the cancer center. And the physical effects aren’t too bad quite yet. Overall, I am doing very well.

As treatment progresses, I will post here and there, but most of what you see will be from my amazing family. Feel free to message the Sarah’s Hope Account with any questions you may have! If you financially can and feel compelled to donate to the fund, you can do so here:
https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLJ4N1CS0124Y/checkout/M23A5QY4ZBUH5VZ4WR54EOQG

If donation is not an option for you, please understand that is perfectly okay, there are other ways to help if interested, and I am still grateful.

As I sit here in bed resting with Danny and my cats, writing this message, nothing is on my mind but strength, courage, love, happiness, excitement, and most importantly gratitude. Thank you all again. Fill yourself with hope as I continue to do, and stay safe out there!

Hope to see some of you at the spaghetti dinner planned for November 28th, scroll down on this page for more information!

Brb gotta go beat this beast❤️💪🏼
With all my love,
-Sarah💜