I have never met a more vibrant shining ray of light than the little girl who walked into Cheeseburger in Paradise and gave me the “ROCK ON!” salute a few months ago. Her smile and energy just filled up the room. When her Mom told me that she had Leukemia I was stunned as she was the picture of health and energy.

She told me that her name was Sarah. In March I had the honor of performing at a remission party for my new hero; Sarah Beth Greenwald.

Graebner Elementary School Gym in Sterling Hghts Michigan was filled with kids and parents. There were also some of Sarah's fellow Children’s hospital friends who are also battling with cancer in attendance.

Sarah was diagnosed with acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on August 5th 2004. She has spent most of the last three years undergoing rigorous treatment at Children’s Hospital that included chemotherapy, blood transfusions and other therapies.

On February 9th 2007 Sarah finished her treatment and was told that she was in remission. As a father myself I can only imagine how hard the last three years have been for Sarah and her family. My heart goes out to her parents Mark and Kelly who have struggled through this long process with her and the rest of her family (Kayla, Jonathan and Austin).

In 2007 Sarah was named Girl of the year by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Sarah and her team (Sarah’s Shining Stars) which was made up of her family and friends raised almost $10,000.00 last October during the “Light the Night” walk in Royal Oak, Michigan.

I have been so moved by Sarah. Her bravery and courage – as well as that of her family – has made me a better person. It has reminded me how precious life is and how much we can do when we decide to fight back against the challenges in our lives.

That is why I wanted to put up a page about Sarah so that her story could inspire others as it has inspired me.

There are some links below to a few of the organizations that Sarah and her family are so grateful for and which they support. If you are feeling altruistic you could make a donation in her name.

Rock on Sarah; you are my new HERO!