In 2011, Sarah Mitchell faced the life-altering news of her breast cancer diagnosis. Medical tests revealed two tumors in her left breast and cancer present in her lymph nodes. The family struggled to come to terms with the devastating stage 2B diagnosis. After enduring a double mastectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy, Sarah hoped she had conquered the worst of it. At 51, she relished spending time with her two adult daughters, eagerly anticipating grandchildren and a peaceful retirement.
However, cancer had other plans in store.
When a lesion on her scalp failed to heal over several months, Sarah trusted her instincts and urged her doctors to investigate further. After consultations with 11 different healthcare professionals, a dermatologist performed a biopsy. The new diagnosis was heartbreaking: stage 4 breast cancer. Subsequent tests revealed that the cancer had spread to her sternum, hip, clavicle, several vertebrae, and underarm.
Faced with this grim reality, Sarah realized significant changes were necessary. Her family was not surprised when she announced her decision to leave her hectic job as a stockbroker to pursue a lifelong dream: writing children’s books.
Her family rejoiced at the prospect of Sarah finally stepping back to follow her passion, undeterred by her illness. “Life suddenly felt too short, and I wanted a career that brought me joy,” she shared.
Reflecting on her past, Sarah remembered working in elementary schools during her 20s, and how much she loved connecting with children. She often read to her daughters’ classes and cherished the laughter and innocence children brought into her life. “Once my cancer returned, I knew I had to focus on what truly mattered to me,” she said.
Thus, her writing journey commenced. Inspired by her nephew’s experience with a babysitter, Sarah crafted a humorous story about a little boy who devises outrageous plans to prevent his mother from leaving him with a babysitter—culminating in the decision to bite her.
The title, Don’t Bite the Babysitter, is sure to resonate with parents everywhere, as we’ve all found ourselves uttering phrases we never thought we’d have to say. “My nephew actually bit his babysitter, and that incident stuck with me because it was something I never expected to explain to a child,” she remarked.
In the initial drafts of Don’t Bite the Babysitter, Sarah took on the illustrations herself. However, after reading a test version to a fourth-grade class, she realized her artwork needed improvement when three girls volunteered to help. “That’s when we brought on Emily Chen as the illustrator. Her work is incredible and truly brings my story to life,” Sarah says, although she admits to feeling slightly guilty for not hiring the enthusiastic fourth graders.
Before Sarah can share her entertaining tale with children everywhere, she faces one more challenge: funding. She and her daughters launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for the costs associated with self-publishing the book.
Sarah is hopeful that her journey will inspire others to chase their own dreams, which may have been set aside for family or career obligations. “I want others to support my dream but also to pursue their own before it’s too late,” she expressed.
During our conversation, Sarah shared a touching moment from earlier that day. While walking along the beach, she found a beautiful seashell and offered it to a passing child. The joy on his face reminded her of the power of simple acts of kindness. “It didn’t cost me anything to make that child smile, and that’s the feeling I want my story to convey,” she reflected.
Sarah hopes to encourage women to chase their aspirations because life is indeed too short. She also urges everyone to trust their instincts, both in pursuing their dreams and in matters of health. “You know yourself best. If something feels off, listen to your body,” she advised.
Excited about her new path as a children’s writer, Sarah is already working on 15 additional stories, including a series centered around a recurring character. Her days as a stockbroker are behind her, and she couldn’t be more content. By following her dreams, she has illuminated her future, regardless of the challenges posed by her cancer treatments.
Kudos to Sarah for reminding us that dreams can indeed come true! To support her journey, check out her Kickstarter campaign where for $15, you can receive a softcover edition, or for $20 a hardcover copy of Don’t Bite the Babysitter.
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In summary, Sarah Mitchell’s story illustrates the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of pursuing one’s passions, even in the face of adversity.