Sarah Burchell: A Story of Transformation, Connection and Hope

Three years ago, Sarah Burchell’s life took a sudden and life-altering turn. Sarah started experiencing what felt like constant urinary tract infections. The pain grew unbearable, finally pushing her to go to the ER. When the doctor pressed on her stomach, the pain was so intense that they rushed her into a CT scan. The words that followed changed everything: "You have cancer."

Within 20 minutes, she was sitting in front of an oncologist. Initial scans suggested lung cancer, with concerning nodules in her lower lungs. A full-body CT revealed even more—a tumor the size of a football, cancer in her left rib, and additional nodules. She was told she had at least one year to live, with no

promises beyond that.

Sarah began chemotherapy immediately and completed her third round in January 2024. It was cut short when she found herself struggling to breathe and ended up back in the ER. She had an endoscopy, but nothing showed in her lungs Further tests revealed that the chemo had caused a heart attack. Whatwas supposed to be a surgery for two stents became four.

Spring brought new chemo treatments—and with them, pneumonia and a week-long hospital stay. That’s when Sarah asked if the largest mass could be surgically removed. By the time doctors performed the hysterectomy, the tumor had grown to the size of a volleyball. The operation came with terrifyingcomplications: her ureter was crushed, she lost 5.5 liters of blood, and she didn’t wake up for over 24 hours. It was the final surgery her oncologist performed before retiring—a moment neither of them would forget.

Sarah’s battle continued. A third chemo regimen managed to shrink some lymph nodes, but the lung nodules grew. Each round left her weaker. Shots to boost her bone marrow couldn't stop the overwhelming fatigue. Cooking a full dinner became impossible. Eventually, her medical team decided to stop chemotherapy. Now, Sarah is exploring clinical trials—still searching, still fighting.

Cancer changed Sarah. She used to see the glass half-empty, but her diagnosis lit a fire in her. She’s become a fighter, though she admits, “I want to be the person I used to be.” After three grueling years, the frustration is real—but so is her resilience.

Recently, Sarah found joy on a family trip to Las Vegas, where she, her son, and her daughter went to a Shania Twain concert and got matching four leaf clover tattoos—a symbol of connection and good luck. Her children have been her caregivers throughout, with her daughter as her primary support at home.

Sarah hopes that by sharing her journey, others gain a better understanding of what living with cancer truly looks like. “There are resources out there,” she says. “Stay positive…negative will draw you down.”

Her advice to others facing a life-altering diagnosis? “Find forgiveness, even for [yourself]. Let go and be free. Explore people. I encourage travel—you never know who you’ll meet. Go for it. Don’t hold back.”

Sarah has also made one final, powerful choice: to donate her body to OHSU for research when she passes, hoping to help scientists better understand and fight this devastating disease.

Her story is not just one of survival, but of transformation, connection, and hope.