Honoring Sarah Sadtler Feather (The Carcinista)
Sarah Sadtler Feather (AKA, The Carcinista) died at home on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 in the early afternoon.
Sarah was surrounded by her family and close friends for the days leading up to her death. When not sleeping, she spent time with her boys playing board games, reading books and having family meals. Sarah and Mr. Wonderful stayed very close to each other, cherishing their love and 18 wonderful years together. Her mother, father and sister and several very close friends shared family stories, memories and comfort. When Sarah died, we were all there with her, holding her to the end. She was truly brave; the embodiment of grace.
Sarah asked that, in lieu of gifts or flowers, donations be made in her honor to First Descents or Ovations for the Cure.
To honor and celebrate the life of Sarah Sadtler Feather
We will have two memorial services to help accommodate Sarah’s friends and family (per Sarah’s wishes) in the Boston area and in the Philadelphia area. She has so many friends and supporters and we want everyone to know they all are welcome.
Please join us in this celebration at either of these services:
Date: Friday, May 13, 2011
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street, Concord, Massachusetts 01742
——————————–
Date: Monday, May 16, 2011
Time: 11:00 am
Location: St. David’s Episcopal Church, 763 South Valley Forge Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087
I'm a two-and-a-half time ovarian cancer survivor who is not only determined to make it to sixty but also to look damn good while getting there. My two boys, husband, and dog are counting on me to get out of bed every day, so I might as well wear something cute and make each one COUNT. I'd love to hear from you about your odyssey - sharing makes it all easier to take. And laugh at.
The Carcinista 
CB said,
May 5, 2011 at 11:35 PM
I’ve been reading for a while, but never commented, and I wanted to offer my condolences to Mr. Wonderful and the boys, I am so very sorry for your loss. Sarah’s writing grabbed me and I, like so many, felt as if I knew her. She will be missed by so many.
Barbara said,
May 5, 2011 at 11:42 PM
I am so sorry. Ovarian cancer is a dreadful disease. My heart and love goes out to all those that loved her.
Thad said,
May 5, 2011 at 11:51 PM
I feel lucky to have had Sarah in my life for a brief little while. And I am sure that the comments that will pour in will prove that I am not alone in that sentIment. We miss her already. ~Thad
Beth L. Gainer said,
May 5, 2011 at 11:52 PM
Mr. Wonderful,
My condolences to you, your boys, and all your friends and family. Through her writings, I felt I knew Sarah. I respected her work greatly, and her work has definitely left an impact on the world.
Kelly said,
May 6, 2011 at 12:00 AM
my heart is broken as i read this. you all are in my prayers.
much love.
Kathleen said,
May 6, 2011 at 12:00 AM
My heart just broke a little bit more, I am so very sorry to hear about Sarah’s passing, my thoughts and prayers are with her family & friends. I will miss reading her blogs, and will continue to think of her strength and humor as I continue on my own path with this terrible & cruel disease….
Kathryn said,
May 6, 2011 at 12:10 AM
While I am saddened by Sarah’s passing, I remain heartened and emboldened by her example. Most compelling to me were her strength, humor, love for family and, most of all, her amazing grace, As I continue my ovarian cancer journey, now in its 3rd year, I will hold her in my heart and her husband and sons in my prayers.
Meg Haas French said,
May 6, 2011 at 12:12 AM
IWe have been following Sarah’s blog as well as updates through my parents Jim and Joan. Although I did not know Sarah personally (although I felt I grew to know her through her writings), she obviously was a truly amazing and gifted woman with her priorities and her treasure of her love for her family in the right place. I know I would have really enjoyed meeting and knowing her. You, your children and family are in my prayers.
Shelli G. said,
May 6, 2011 at 12:33 AM
Sarah has been in my thoughts the past couple of weeks. My prayers go out to her family. Thank you for keeping us informed. Words are inadequate. My tears say more.
Denise said,
May 6, 2011 at 1:26 AM
To Sarah’s husband, children, parents, family and friends. I just wanted to again say how sorry I am. We all will miss her. My heartfelt sympathies to you all. God Bless you.
Laura said,
May 6, 2011 at 1:36 AM
I think about you all the time and about Sarah and your children. My heart goes out to you and your family and I constantly keep you in my thoughts and send comfort to you. Sarah was a beautiful writer and I very much enjoyed reading her blog and I miss her already.
My most sincere condolences to you and your family.
Mary said,
May 6, 2011 at 2:09 AM
Dear Mr. Wonderful and boys – thank you for sharing your Mrs. and Mom Wonderful with us. She will be missed by many. Be brave as she would want you to be. She is an inspiration to us in the way she lived and the way she passed. God Bless, Mary
patricia said,
May 6, 2011 at 2:14 AM
Life on this planet will not be the same without the laughter, love and joy Sarah brought to each and every day. May God continue to bless all who know and love Sarah and let her strength, courage and love forever live in us all. xx’s, patricia
JBBC said,
May 6, 2011 at 5:41 AM
So very sad to hear this news and wishing you all who love her, strength for the journey ahead.
Kathi said,
May 6, 2011 at 6:40 AM
There are so many of us that Sarah touched through her blog. She was an inspiration to us all. Our hearts are with you, Ed, and your whole family.
kirsty said,
May 6, 2011 at 7:14 AM
I’m so very sorry. She was a wonderful, generous person who was loved by all who knew her. My thoughts are with you, her sons, her family and friend.
Melanie said,
May 6, 2011 at 7:43 AM
Thank you very much for inviting those of us who only knew Sarah on the web. I would love to attend. However, I have doctor appointments concerning my battle with ovarian cancer on both dates. I don’t think Sarah would want me to try to move them. I need to stay strong for my little monkeys.
Nancyspoint said,
May 6, 2011 at 8:44 AM
Mr. Wonderful, sons, friends and family,
I only knew Sarah through her blog. She revealed her honesty, zest for life, compassion for others and love for her famiy through her written words. I am grateful to have “known” her. I am so sorry for your loss.
Alicia said,
May 6, 2011 at 9:09 AM
Mr. Wonderul, my heartfelt sympathy to you, the boys and the rest of the family. We have lost a precious gift and are so saddened by the knowledge we will not have Sarah to brighten our days. She had way with words and we were comforted and blessed by her writings. Be blessed and be comforted by our Lord, I pray for peace and comfort in the days ahead. His Word is a wonderful source of comfort for me, may you find comfort there as well. God bless you.
Isaiah 40: 29-31 — He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles (wow, is she ever soaring now; brings tears to my eyes thinking of it!!); they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
God looked around His garden and He found an empty space.
He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must beautiful….He always takes the best!
He knew that you were suffering. He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb.
So He closed your weary eyelids and whispered, “Peace be thine.”
It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone.
For part of us went with you the day God called you home.
Martigyrl said,
May 18, 2011 at 12:41 AM
My condolences to Sarahs’ loved ones. It sounds like she fought the battle mighty hard. It is wonderful that she had family all around her. I think she will be so missed by everyone.
Gaynor said,
May 6, 2011 at 9:38 AM
Words cannot relay what we are feeling. We can only marvel at the beauty and strength of Sarah. She is definitely in God’s lovely garden. And you, Ed, boys and close family are in our thoughts and prayers. All our love.
Weekly Round Up « Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer said,
May 6, 2011 at 9:42 AM
[…] In Cancer, internet and unexpected emotions Feisty Blue Gecko has been reflecting on the common bond that unites us as breast cancer survivors through social media platforms and the sadness we all feel at the passing of one of us. She dedicates her post to the sad passing of Sarah or as she was better known to many of us as her blogging alter-ego, Carcinista. […]
Dawna Phillips said,
May 6, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,
And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
I’ve heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.
~Emily Dickinson
Liliana said,
May 6, 2011 at 10:35 AM
Sending love, hugs and all the best that this world has to offer to the family of this amazing woman.
Liliana
Sonya said,
May 6, 2011 at 5:38 PM
I’m so sad to hear this news. I was among so many people who LOVED reading Sarah’s posts. She was so funny and so inspiring. She will never be forgotten. Love to Mr.Wonderful and the boys as well as other friends and family who had the honor of knowing her.
Elaine said,
May 6, 2011 at 6:48 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Wonderful, the boys, and the entire family.
We survivors were with Sarah in her blog …in her every triumph and in her tragic moments. We understood what sometimes transcends words. Yet, her gift of exquisite expression, coupled with courage, hope, humor, grit, and grace will forever provide a model of how to live life to the fullest.
My heart and spirit is with you all.
Nicole said,
May 6, 2011 at 7:15 PM
My heart breaks for your family, but I know you have many memories to cherish forever. Warmest sympathies to you all.
ValerieMartin said,
May 6, 2011 at 7:39 PM
I am so very sorry. Sara was a brave girl who truley loved her family. God bless her and her family
Ann said,
May 6, 2011 at 9:35 PM
I’m crying.
Mr. Wonderful, Sarah was important to me, although I never met her. She was my blogging doppleganger, my sister from another mother. I never expected this so quickly – I still have an email in my drafts composed to her – she had agreed to be interviewed on my blog and I was sending the questions to her tomorrow.
I’m so sorry for you and the boys. I’m sorry the world has lost such a funny and warm woman. She has taught everybody who read this blog, and those in the future who will come across it, what grace and dignity really mean. Her honesty in sharing her experience will never be forgotten.
My deepest, heartfelt sympathies on your loss.
Nicole said,
May 7, 2011 at 12:45 AM
Just know that a stranger will think of Sarah, you and your boys from time to time. Her blog will continuely be found by new readers and will continue to touch people for as long as it remains. Ed, I hope that you will post an update from time to time. I find myself kinda vested in your lives. Probably a place where strangers shouldn’t be welcome. But, as a mom of two myself, I find it easy to think of you and wonder how you are coping thru this difficult time. Sarah was such a gift to so many people..people she or you…will never meet. But, I guess after 18 years, you already know that.
My heartfelt thoughts.
Elaine L. said,
May 7, 2011 at 2:06 AM
I was one of Sarah’s sisters on OCNA. I am heartbroken that she has left us and want to convey my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Wonderful, her boys, and her parents. Sarah’s beautiful spirit will live on with us forever.
We are having a Candle light memorial for her on Sunday, so that we can be one in spirit in honoring her. Please join us in remembering Sarah and also join us in Prayer for a Cure of this horrific disease that is taking so many of us.
6:00 PM Pacific Time
7:00 PM Mountain Time
8:00 PM Central Time
9::00 PM East Coast Time
cancerfree2b said,
May 7, 2011 at 3:42 AM
Dear Mr. Wonderful,
Thank you so much for your post. I have thought of Sara constantly since her last post and especially since her passing. I have only known Sara through her blog. But, I feel a very real loss. I can only imagine the loss felt by those who knew her in person.
I will miss her words. I will miss her incredible gift of expression,. I will miss her spirit, her humor, her courage, her wisdom and her beauty. I am grateful for her words . . . she helped me without knowing she was helping me. I know she has helped many others and will continue to do so. What an inspiring and amazing woman. Thank you for sharing your Sara with us . . . and thank you for continuing to do so.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God bless,
Lisa
Lisa said,
May 7, 2011 at 2:25 PM
As the rain comes down today, I light incense and send out love to Sarah’s family. Ed, so many people are thinking of you and your two boys, so much love surrounds you. Sarah’s courage and voice have brought strength and renewed spirit to so many–and will continue to inspire, infinitely. What an incredible wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.
Betty said,
May 7, 2011 at 8:10 PM
Thank you Sarah for your gift of expression. I didn’t know you except through your blog, but I’ll miss you. Mr Wonderful, thank you for your love of her…………..
Alice said,
May 8, 2011 at 11:57 AM
So many people have know Sarah through her blog, loved and respected her, and will miss her dearly. I knew Sarah through my daughter and followed her medical ups and downs through the years, always hoping and praying for a good outcome. Today I sat in church and couldn’t stop thinking of Ed and the boys – to have Mother’s Day fall only days after Sarah’s passing seems so cruel. God bless you all – her husband, sons, sister, and parents. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and will continue to be with you for days and months to come.
Jessica Barker said,
May 8, 2011 at 8:25 PM
Mr. W
I found this blog very recently. It hit so close to home I felt an immediate attachment. I spent the last two days reading every blog. You wife was an amazing women. I can only guess how many people she has helped fight this fight.
This women I never met, or talked to has made me look at this disease in a different way. My heart has broke for your families loss. I will keep you and your boys in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing her with me.
Danielle said,
May 8, 2011 at 9:01 PM
Thank you for the open invite to those of us who are total strangers. I’m still soooo sad about Sarah to the point of also being mad. I could not attend her celebration service- My husband, my son and I did however send up a Sky Lantern and prayer in her honor here in little Port Crane NY.
I’ll never ever forget her.
You are in my thoughts
Adele said,
May 10, 2011 at 11:05 AM
I went to high school with Sarah, but I really came to know her, in her fully formed adult self, through her blog. Her writing style was completely magnetic– fierce but friendly, charming and disarming. She was a wonderful FB commenter, too– always with the perfect quip, always positive but often wry and sharp and humorous … just the perfect words. It’s very hard–truly, unbearable– to believe that she won’t be posting something marvelous and thoughtful and funny this month. My heart is so full for her family.
Dayle said,
May 11, 2011 at 5:19 AM
So sorry for your great loss. I just recently discovered Sarah’s blog. She was an inspiration to the very end.
Lauren Topel said,
May 11, 2011 at 8:13 PM
I enjoyed her company in high school, and always think of her when I hear the song, “Sweet Dreams” and “We Belong”. I was inspired by her attitude and really noticed her deep love and commitment to her family. I will miss her and be thinking of you in this time of great sorrow.
Poetry Friday « Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer said,
May 13, 2011 at 3:41 AM
[…] featured here previously. This poem is particularly special as Philippa wishes to dedicate it to Carcinista, who passed away on May 3rd, and whose memorial service takes place today. Philippa told me that […]
On-Line Memorial at Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer « said,
May 13, 2011 at 11:11 AM
[…] Sadtler Feather (AKA, The Carcinista) died at home on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 in the early […]
Megan said,
May 13, 2011 at 12:41 PM
Sarah – you will be missed by so many. Your spark and spirit were as alive and kicking in your last weeks as they were while singing and dancing your way through high school. How blessed your family is to have shared some time with you. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I will be praying for you all on Monday, as your life is celebrated in your home church, my home church, at St. Davids. Much love, Megan Henry
Deborah said,
May 16, 2011 at 4:09 PM
I didn’t know Sarah personally, but knew about her from two friends. I cannot stop thinking about her, her sense of humor, and the legacy she leaves for all of us. Heartfelt condolences to Mr. Wonderful and your two wonderful little boys. May Sarah rest in peace – she will always be in your hearts.
Colleen Tomczak said,
May 17, 2011 at 10:38 AM
Sarah will live on thru her words. She shed a light on this horrible disease and she left us way to soon.Best wishes to her family especially her children in whom she will live forever.
Love Colleen
ERICA said,
May 25, 2011 at 7:28 PM
i AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. i DIDNT KNOW HER PERSONALLY BUT SHE DID MAKE SEVERAL POST TO MY PAGE AND HER THOUGHTS WERE GREATLY APPRECIATED. i JUST BROKE DOWN IN TEARS WHEN I READ THIS. sHE WAS A FIGHTER AND FROM WHAT I READ SHE SEEMED LIKE THE MOST LOVED PERSON AROUND. i WILL MISS SEEING HER POSTS. AGAIN YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPHATHIES. THIS DISEASE IS SO UNFAIR!!!
A Run for Sarah « The Carcinista said,
April 10, 2012 at 10:11 PM
[…] Lastly, please share this with your friends. Let’s remember Sarah, the Carcinista, as we approach May 3rd. […]
One Year « The Carcinista said,
May 3, 2012 at 12:07 AM
[…] Today marked the last day of the year. One year of time that has been spent on an incredible journey of self-reflection. One year since Sarah, The Carcinista, died. […]
Jeff said,
July 15, 2012 at 11:42 AM
This brought tears to my eyes. The only way I found reconciliation was knowing that her family was with her as she transcending into God’s Kingdom.