I was definitely bummed about the delay, but the extra week allowed me to get my energy back and celebrate my sister’s birthday by going out to eat three times—just because we could! From here on out, they will give me a booster on Fridays after chemo to help keep my numbers in a stable place and hopefully keep treatment on schedule.

Now for the really good news.

In my last substack, I shared that the doctors would be conducting a ctDNA test, which measures the amount of cancer DNA in my blood. They sent the test away last week, and the results came back on Wednesday. This was our first real indicator of whether or not this new chemo treatment was working. As a reminder, the ultimate goal is zero, but at the very least we wanted to see the number decreasing.

The results showed that my ctDNA dropped 98%—from 2.48% to less than 0.05%. We have been measuring this number for the past year, and this is the lowest it has ever been…by a lot.

Thrilled is probably the best way to describe all of our emotions. This is something for which we were specifically asking for prayer. I have been feeling very anxious about this number, and I appreciate everyone who texted, checked in with me, and let me know you were praying - so much.

I still have two more chemo treatments, scheduled for September 2 and September 16. Then, in late September, they will do more scans.

We are praying that the ctDNA goes all the way to zero and that these last few rounds of chemo get rid of any remaining cancer. We are also praying for the scans, because they are the second piece of the puzzle. Together, these results will help determine where we are in this journey and what comes next.

My doctor believes it is possible for me to get to no evidence of disease. There have been times when that hasn’t felt possible to me, if I’m being honest.

But today, I am encouraged. I am hopeful. And I am incredibly grateful. Thank you all for your love, prayers and support along the way.

This week, I met with my oncologist, Dr. Martin, for the first time since we started this round of treatment. He is very encouraged by how I’m handling the treatment and seems hopeful for a strong response. The most challenging side effects have been a skin rash and various gastrointestinal issues. Interestingly, the skin rash can often indicate that the treatment is working, so while it’s annoying, it’s not entirely unwelcome. The rash looks like acne and the doctors keep saying this will help me relate to the middle school students…they have the jokes.

At my next appointment on August 12, they will conduct another Guardant ctDNA test, which measures the amount of cancer DNA circulating in my blood. We won’t get the results immediately - it takes a little time to hear the outcome. We’ve been tracking this for a year, and while we want to see it decreasing, the ultimate hope is that it will eventually be zero. This test will be our first indicator of how this new chemotherapy regimen is working, and the results will help determine when scans are repeated. I would love prayers for that test.

There are a few other things that I would love your prayers for as well:

• My energy level - chemo makes me feel quite tired

• Managing ongoing side effects

• Maintaining high enough white blood cell counts to stay on the current treatment plan.

I love my job immensely and am grateful for a fantastic summer with my team and students. I’ve learned so much about myself and the Lord this year. Recently, I’ve been reflecting on how truly called I feel to do ministry and how much joy it brought me this summer. I am so grateful that I continue to feel well enough to work and spend time with students.

Thank you for your support and for reaching out. I am so grateful that you have been praying so faithfully over this past year

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Leading up to chemo, she had a great - and busy - month of June and thankfully she continued to feel good. The doctors started her on oral chemo during this time to fight the cancer and curb any growth in the lead up to her infusions. She was able to take her kids from Cedar Springs to Beach Camp in early June and go to the Edge to lead work crew for 12 days - two of her favorite things of the summer - and she was so grateful for that time. And after chemo, we whisked her away for a few days at Pickwick with family for the 4th. It’s been a full last few weeks!

Please join us in praying that:

• The treatment would completely eradicate the cancer - and no further treatment would be necessary

• She would continue to tolerate the chemo well - with no complications or significant side effects

• She would have continued strength and stamina for work - as she plans to continue to work throughout treatment

Thank you, thank you for your continued love, care, support and prayers for Sarah - she feels it and knows it - and greatly appreciates it.

2026 has been a hard year. I was so excited to start the year with a good report from my doctors at the end of December. However, the doctor appointments haven’t stopped, and I have had many blood tests, flex sigs, and MRIs since we last sent an update. My mom also passed away unexpectedly in January, which has only added to the heaviness of this year.

I am grateful that I have continued to feel physically good, and it has been a joy to feel normal again over the past few months. However, at my most recent appointments in early May, doctors discovered that the cancer is back in my colon and has spread. It has been scary and sad and confusing.

Over the last couple of weeks, I have met with doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering and here in Knoxville to figure out the best path forward. We have decided to start with chemotherapy to see what kind of response we can get in diminishing — and hopefully eliminating — the cancer. Surgery may still be in my future, but that will depend on how the cancer responds to treatment.

I start oral chemo this week and will begin FOLFIRI infusions in early July. The doctors are hopeful about my response because I responded so well to treatment last fall.

Usually I ask Allison to write my Substack posts because she is an excellent writer and not only my cousin but also one of my best friends. She makes me sound good… really, all the things. But I wanted to attempt to get this one out today.

I also haven’t had a chance to thank you all for the texts, drop-bys, gift cards, meals, and notes you have sent. I am especially grateful for your prayers.

I have spoken often about the faith of my friends when people ask me how I am doing. I keep thinking about Mark 2 and how Jesus sees the faith of the friends of the paralytic. My faith this past year has been so deeply connected to the faith of my friends — to your faith.

You are praying when I can’t. You are helping me grow closer to Jesus when I can’t read or remember His promises. You are my reminders. When I have felt too tired or overwhelmed to hold onto anything, your faith has been what I have held onto.

I know whose I am, and I know who I belong to. I know it — but I need reminders all the time, so thank you.

While this news has truly rocked me, I am also grateful and hopeful for the plan that is in place.

Here are a few prayer requests:

• That I would continue to feel good so we can stay the course with the chemo plan.

• That the cancer would be eliminated through these treatments.

• That I would love my friends and family well as they continue to give so much to me during this time.

• That I have the wisdom to balance rest, treatment, and the work I love so much well.

Specifically, the MRI came back and said that no mass was found!! The surgeon wanted to do a follow-up test, which happened this morning (the flexible sigmoidoscopy) to get a closer look and after that test he said that he does not recommend surgery and he described it as a “near complete response.” This is such incredible, amazing, miraculous news.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your prayers and support over the past few months. They will continue to watch her closely and test her very regularly to ensure that nothing changes - but for now, we are so grateful and are ending the year with incredibly grateful hearts - first and foremost, for the kindness of the Lord to bring her through this season but also for all of you and the way that you have cared for and loved on her throughout. Thank you and happy new year to you all!

From here, she will go for a scan mid-December and the doctors will determine any next steps from there. Please continue to pray that this course of treatment totally and completely eradicated the cancer!

Hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family yesterday!

Her next and last treatment will be Wednesday, November 26th - the day before Thanksgiving. Between now and then please continue to pray for:

• Total and Complete Healing: That the chemo treatments will completely wipe any cancer that remains in her body!

• Minimal Side Effects: That the side effects from chemo will continue to get better day by day - and that there will be no lasting effects.

Since her last treatment, she has been able to continue to go to work, spend times with kids and she was even able to go to part of Fall Camp at the end of October - she was so grateful to get to spend that time with the youth group!

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and love - she feels it and appreciates it all!

Following the first infusion her symptoms were fairly mild, but we are anticipating that they will intensify each time, particularly the fatigue. In meeting with the doctor yesterday, he shared that he is incredibly pleased with her progress to date - so that is very encouraging! Thank you for all of your prayers for healing - keep it up!

Please continue to pray for:

• Minimal side effects: That side effects will be mild and not last. Fatigue, mild nausea and soreness in her arm have been what she has felt the most thus far.

• Total and complete healing: That the chemo treatments will completely wipe any cancer that remains in her body.'

• Youth Group: That she will continue to be able to go to work and participate in all of her favorite fall activities with the Youth Group.

Thank you for continuing to love on and support Sarah - she is so appreciative of and encouraged by all of the notes, texts, meals, care packages and drawings from your kids.

The past few weeks Sarah has been feeling really good - the best she has felt since the Spring. Thank you Lord for this relief. She is back in the swing of things at work and has been able to have a little fun too - she and Mary Raine made a trip to Dollywood last weekend. The end of radiation and the few weeks after were very tough, so we are especially thankful for this time.

Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers, encouraging texts to date - the doctors are encouraged by what they are seeing and her treatment to date.

As we move into this next stage, please join us in praying for:

• Total and complete healing: That the chemo treatments will finish what radiation started and completely wipe away all the cancer from her body

• Minimal side effects: That any and all side effects will be mild and not last. We will know more about the side effects in the coming days and weeks, but they have prepared her to expect fatigue, nausea and neuropathy.

Thank you for all of your prayers and good wishes - they, no doubt, helped sustain and carry her through this past month. She handled radiation like the absolute champ that she is!

RING THAT BELL!!! The certificate says: The mountain was steep and the road long, but this journey is now complete.

Moving forward, she will have several weeks off and then start chemotherapy toward the end of September (specific date TBD). Treatment will consist of an infusion once every 21 days, for a total of six treatments.

Please continue to pray for complete healing - and thank you for all of your love and support.

Thank you for your prayers, for your calls and texts, for the many meals and treats you’ve brought and sent - it is all keeping her spirits high and reminding her of the many ways the Lord is providing for her during this season.

Please continue to pray for:

• Cancer to be Eradicated: That radiation + chemotherapy will completely wipe away the tumor and surgery will not be necessary.

• Continued Strength & Resilience: For rest, strength and pain relief as her symptoms worsen over the coming weeks.

• Her Back to Heal: That her back will completely heal and the pain will go away entirely.

• And lastly that Sarah will be - as she always is - a source of joy and encouragement for those around her: the doctors and nurses she encounters on a daily basis.

Sarah has had friends and family staying with her during treatment: SB and Brooke having breakfast outside yesterday enjoying the slightly cooler weather.

As we shared in the last post, Sarah started treatment last Thursday - she goes for radiation Monday through Friday, at 8:00am each day. To complement the radiation, she takes two chemo pills a day as well. With three treatments down (in this phase), only 27 more to go! So far she is tolerating it well and her back pain has improved recently as well, which is great and welcome news.

So far your prayers are working, so please join us in praying for:

1. Continued Pain Management: As mentioned, her back pain has been better the past several days, which also means she’s sleeping better - please pray that this continues!

2. Cancer to be Eradicated: Now that treatment is underway, we are fervently praying that the radiation + chemotherapy will completely wipe away the tumor and surgery will not be necessary.

Lastly, wanted to share Sarah’s latest masterpiece :) - Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, lego style.

The first phase of her treatment plan will be Chemo-Radiation Therapy, where she will be receiving radiation five times a week, for six weeks. Following that, she will begin Chemotherapy treatment, which will be infusions every two weeks.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out offering support - it is so heartwarming (and completely unsurprising) to see how loved Sarah is. Cedar Springs has set up a “Sign Up Genius” for her Knoxville community to bring meals over the coming weeks, but I know many of you not in town have also asked how you can help. On that site, you can sign up to send Uber Eats, Door Dash, Walmart and Amazon gift cards as well - and if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me or Liz.

Heading into next week as she starts treatment, please join us in praying for:

• Support and Schedule: For Sarah and her care team to find a good routine during the first few weeks of her treatment.

• Radiation: For the side effects to be minimal and manageable - and for strength for Sarah in handling this course of treatment.

• Pain: For continued pain relief - for the medication to continue to work / work more effectively and for the treatments to help with easing the pain as well.

Thank you for your prayers - they are greatly appreciated and keep them coming!

Please join us in praying for the below.

1. Back Pain: As many of you know, Sarah also has a bulging disk in her back and she’s in a considerable amount of pain right now. Please pray for this pain to completely go away.

2. Clarity on Way Forward: Following her appointments this week, Sarah will need to make a decision on course of treatment - please pray for absolute clarity on where the Lord is leading her, for confidence in that decision and for wisdom for the doctors.

3. Treatment Date: Lastly, please pray that she can start treatment as soon as possible!

Thank you, and please feel free to share this Substack with others. We will continue to share updates, prayers requests and ways to support Sarah.