Dancing for Gold® 2027

Hello,

   My name is Sarah Carter, and I am honored to participate in Book for Hope’s Dancing for Gold®! I have called Paducah my home for 11 years but grew up visiting my family here in Paducah spending weeks at a time with my beloved grandparents and family. I have an incredible son Ty (18) who is absolutely my favorite human being and two ridiculously loveable dogs, Margo and Betty, who think they are humans. I enjoy Jeeping / Off roading, Camping, Hiking, Pickle ball, Kickball, really all things outdoors.

        

   I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Mercy Health Paducah Cancer Center. I have been with Mercy Health for 6 years working for both the Cancer Center and Mercy Hospice.  In my roles with both Hospice and Paducah Cancer Center it has been an incredible honor to walk alongside patients and their families, being a support helping ensure their needs even outside the medical are being met. Helping reduce or addressing barriers to life saving care, providing counseling to support patients’ mental health. Also, providing comfort and support to the patient and their loved ones during their final transition.   As a social worker at the Cancer Center and throughout my career I have witnessed the devastating impact cancer can have on families.

      I have a deep personal connection to cancer and its impact on not only my life but my family. In the spring 2023 my aunt Judy unfortunately lost her battle with Leukemia. Later that same year in August I was diagnosed with skin cancer on my nose and scalp. I am incredibly fortunate that I only required surgery to treat and remove the cancer. My family has a significant history of colon cancer which I am thankful my Aunt Monica is a Survivor.  It is for these reasons I am stepping out of my comfort zone and onto the dance floor, driven by a cause that is very close to my heart.

   Even though I have never worked in pediatrics, I care deeply about family support. Cancer takes a financial toll on families with a child in cancer treatment. Since children are not treated locally in our community, the expenses at home can cause a family to lose everything. I am happy to help raise funds for Book for Hope, Inc., to cover expenses at home for children diagnosed with cancer the number one disease-related cause of death of children in the United States.

    I am asking for your support as I take on this endeavor in the 7^th Annual Dancing for Gold®. Please know that every dollar adds up. Let’s be a lifeline for the Book for Hope cancer kids.

Thank you in advance,

Sarah