REFLECTIONS | SARAH HARRISON

Title

What Sarah Harrison Taught Me About Living Fully With Terminal Cancer

The Story

Sarah has lived with incurable cancer for over nine years, facing it with strength inspired by her dad’s journey. She speaks openly about grief, raising children, and life with her diagnosis, while creating Sarah’s Star to support others. In accepting her fate, she’s found empowerment, and a fearless outlook on life. Sarah’s Star was a charity, set up by Sarah, to help Gove support to others affected by day terminal illness.

Opening

I had a  little apprehension going into this interview as I knew Sarah had terminal cancer and I was a little hesitant about how much I would ask about the thought of knowing that she might not have long left. The conversation got flowing and the ease in which Sarah spoke was very heart felt and positive.

What Stayed With Me

The sheer acceptance of knowing Sarah had terminal cancer, she knew that life could change any day, but having lived with this for 9 years, it didn’t seem to affect her. Physically you wouldn’t have known, and I was surprised to know that she wore a wig. The energy that she had was comforting, and one to be admired.

The Bigger Reflection

Family. That is what mattered to Sarah. We spoke mainly about family, and understanding her terminal cancer from their perspective. This wasn’t something I’d expected to talk about but that was where Sarah led the conversation. It put you in the mindset of her children. Them knowing this information for 9 years, knowing that their mam could die any day. That really changed the way I thought about it.

A Line I Won’t Forget

“I'm not letting cancer take all my power away”

Empowerment is a strong word. It gets used quite a lot, usually in female led conversations about pushing back societal norms. I think Sarah epitomises empowerment, as she did not let cancer rule her life, own her everyday. She set up an organisation for other cancer sufferers to meet, talk, exchange information. A place that felt like you could share, because everyone had or has gone through similar experience. 

Closing Thought

This section is dedicated to Sarah. Unfortunately 6 months after this interview I found out that Sarah had died from her illness. It was a privilege and an honour to have met and talk so personally to Sarah. My words come with great love and respect to Sarah, who she was and what she created for others.