Good-bye, sweet sister.

This is Sarah's brother and occasional guest blogger a few years back.  I have the unfortunate job of posting here that Sarah died two weeks ago today.  Her battle with CF and post-transplant infection finally took it's toll on her body and she could no longer fight on-- her heart had been compromised by infection.  I'll try to be good and post more information in a few days for anyone who has followed her story or who is looking for transplant/CF information-- or frankly, because it is a way for me to remember her and share my thoughts about her.

Good-bye little sister.  You are missed greatly.  

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Sarah passed away Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013, due to complications from a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis and a recent double lung transplant.

Sarah was born in Rochester in 1977. Diagnosed with CF at 18 months old, she was given a life expectancy of only about 18 years. Growing up on a small hobby farm, she loved raising and caring for animals. She attended John Marshall High School, where she played the flute in the band. She credited this with developing her lung capacity that kept her healthy later in life. Sarah attended Rochester Community College, obtaining her AA degree in 2002, and graduated from St. Mary's in Winona with a BA in graphic design in 2004.

She married Chris in 2005. They enjoyed spending time with their dog, Marco, and taking road trips and long walks when she was able.

Sarah worked at several jobs before taking a position at Community Education as a graphic designer for 8 years, before starting a business selling her artwork and illustrations. She was hospitalized in June of 2011 and spent 4½ months in ICU before receiving a double lung transplant in October of 2011. Sarah and her family are grateful for the care and kindness of her doctors and nurses.

Family was the most important part of Sarah's life; she loved holidays and family gatherings. As her health failed, she spent time recounting family vacations; it was a source of comfort and strength. She especially loved her nieces and nephews.

She never looked at her illness as a curse, but rather embraced it as part of the guiding force that helped her become the woman she was; Sarah was kind to everyone she met. That kindness gave her a gentle strength that drew people to her. Even at her most painful moments, she pointed out how others were suffering more than she and was thankful for the life she had. She always found the silver lining.

Sarah died peacefully at Saint Marys with her family by her side.