Let’s make some GOOD THINGS happen for Sara Boedecker-Johnston while she kicks breast cancer 🙂
Sara’s annual mammogram in May led to more tests, biopsies, and an MRI before confirming a diagnosis of DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). It was caught nice & early, but chemotherapy isn’t an effective treatment and the cells are spread out enough that lumpectomies aren’t an option. Because of this, Sara has a double mastectomy on June 18. At her post-op appointment, she’ll find out if she’ll need to undergo additional radiation, but her surgeon is very optimistic. So far, we’re very fortunate that all her care can be done locally in Grand Rapids (MN) or Hibbing, each about 30 miles from our home near Goodland. Sara will have a 3-week recovery here at Lillehorn Farm.
This isn’t Sara’s first time facing down a tough diagnosis. In 2016, she was diagnosed with a rare non-cancerous tumor in her knee that causes chronic pain and will require a complex surgery down the road. While pregnant in 2021, Sara was hospitalized at 22 weeks with unusually early preeclampsia. Avis had growth restriction, was born healthy at 28 weeks, and had a 3-month stay in the NICU. Sara certainly knows how to do difficult things, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t scary.
This time around, we’d all like Sara to have more opportunities to slow down and focus on healing. This doesn’t come easy when you’re a mom with a 4 -year old, who works full-time while running & growing our family farm. Sara has spent a lifetime caring for others as an eldest daughter, big sister, friend, wife, mom, godmother, aunt, animal mama, former teacher, and nonprofit leader. I’d love your help- let’s show her how much we can care for her 🙂
1. Send Snail Mail: Please contact Kelley, friends, or family for our address. After surgery, please avoid sending gifts or packages. Our house is a renovation in progress, so packages can be overwhelming. Thanks for understanding 🙂
2. Health, Wellness, & Recovery: Sara will undergo physical therapy sessions through our clinic in Rapids, but she’s also set up with access to counseling, acupuncture, and massage therapy as soon as possible during recovery. Sara has carried plenty of weight on her shoulders and we think deserves help from caring professionals as she processes & heals from breast cancer.
3. Artwork: Sara’s friend and former coworker, Erin Sandsmark, is a Minneapolis-based artist, teacher, and fat advocate who focuses her work on the body, identity, and power. She believes “our bodies deserve to be seen, without judgement.” We’re very happy to have Erin painting a portrait of Sara’s chest before the double mastectomy.
4. Wellness Retreat: We’ve got Sara signed up for a 4-day women’s retreat at the end of July in Crane Lake, MN. The retreat center is located next to Voyageurs National Park and is a place “to experience relaxation, community, exciting adventures on the lake, restorative yoga, amazing food, mindfulness, social-emotional workshops and downtime doing what brings peace and joy.”
Lastly, sending positive thoughts, prayers, and healing vibes is always appreciated & encouraged!
Thanks for your love & support as we navigate this,
Kelley & Avis
