Sarah Mahony Thanksgiving Spotlight

The holiday season is a time for togetherness, love, and gratitude. But for cancer patients, the holidays can be a difficult reminder of what they are missing—especially when they are stuck in a hospital room instead of at home with their families. HEADstrong’s Patient Care Services Coordinator, Sarah Mahoney knows this all too well. 

 

Sarah’s journey with cancer began in 2015 when she was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Double Hit. Her treatment plan involved the aggressive EPOCH chemotherapy regimen, which required five days straight of infusions. It was a tough time—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It was then when she was  introduced to the HEADstrong Foundation. The HEADstrong Foundation had brought her a Thanksgiving comfort kit and a delicious, homestyle Thanksgiving dinner while she was inpatient at the hospital. 

 

For patients who are away from their home and family, the Thanksgiving meal is more than just food—it is a reminder that they aren’t alone in their fight.

 

“Being away from family on this day was tough but being able to count on a good homestyle Thanksgiving dinner made it ok,” Sarah explained. “I was able to celebrate with my family, doctor and nurses even though I wasn’t at home.” 

 

When HEADstrong serves a Thanksgiving dinner or provides a comfort kit, they are offering more than just a meal or a gift. They are giving patients a sense of connection, a reminder that they are not alone. That support can mean the world to someone who is fighting cancer far from home, especially during the holidays.

 

Once Sarah’s treatment was over, she knew she wanted to give back. Her cancer journey was a challenging one but it gave her a new purpose.  She began volunteering with the HEADstrong Foundation in 2016, and when the opportunity arose for her to join the team full-time, she knew it was the right path for her. Today, she oversees Patient Care Services at HEADstrong, which includes managing Nick’s House Philadelphia, providing comfort kits, and supporting patients through additional service offerings.

 

Now, being on the other side of the hospital bed, she can truly appreciate the difference that small acts of kindness—like a Thanksgiving meal or a comfort kit—can make. For patients that are in the hospital during a holiday, it’s easy to feel forgotten or overlooked, but HEADstrong reminds patients that they are seen, cared for, and that there are people who are willing to help make their fight a little bit easier.

 

“Sometimes it isn’t about the grand gesture that helps the most. It is about the little things you can do for many people,” Sarah said. “Serving Thanksgiving dinner and providing a comfort kit to patients allows them to know that even though this year is different, they have people supporting them. It is about helping as many people as we can.”

This year, be part of the magic. If you’re looking for a way to give back during the holiday season, donate a Thanksgiving meal. Your generosity will provide patients with a comforting, home-cooked meal and remind them that they are not alone in their fight. Donate here www.headstrong.org/turkeys.