After serving her country in the Army for five years, Sarah E Paterson is now a government contractor in the DC metro area and a full time student at the University of Maryland studying Psychology.

Sarah and her family have been personally touched by effects of cancer. In the past year and a half she lost both of her grandmothers to various forms of cancer. Additionally, both her mother and aunt are cancer survivors. Having seen the impact of cancer and the tenacity required to fight cancer it is no wonder Sarah is committed to helping organizations who are dedicated to finding a cure, educating the public and providing cancer treatments.

Sarah attributes many of the lessons she has learned in life to her Grandma Jan who was a tired less fighter of the disease and became Sarah’s role model of strength. Regardless of her phase in treatment or how bad the pain got, Jan always looked for the silver lining in her journey and would always face life with a smile on her face and a witty joke on her tongue. Although Jan lost the fight, Sarah is dedicated to
winning the battle on cancer for her grandmothers. Sarah is thankful for all the doctors and medical advancements that enabled her Grandma to live such a productive and memory filled life, “It was during those last seven years that we bonded most and I wouldn’t trade a minute of our time together for anything”.

Sarah hopes that by supporting Love Hope Strength people will get the opportunity to fully enjoy a cancer free life. Sarah is completing this trek in honor of her Grandma Jan who, if given the chance, would have done it as well and then asked for a margarita on the top. Cheers Grandma!!!