"Your daughter's white blood count is over one million. We have triple checked the test results and, after reviewing the slides, the cells we see are consistent with leukemia."

With those words, spoken on Feb. 7, 2002, Marissa and Matt Weippert of Hicksville began a journey that is any parent's worst nightmare. Their beautiful, fun-loving 11-year-old daughter, Sarah Grace, was later confirmed to have Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Although Sarah was considered high risk due to her age, gender and extraordinarily high white blood count, statistics were in her favor in that after a five-year treatment and recovery period she would be cured.

Sarah underwent an initial four-week induction period of chemotherapy, but did not go into remission. After an additional three weeks of different chemo treatments, the Weipperts were advised that Sarah's cancer cells were aggressive - resistant to treatment. With no hope of remission, a bone marrow transplant was Sarah's only chance at survival. After more than seven weeks in the hospital, Sarah was discharged the day before her 12th birthday to begin preparations for the transplant.

In May 2002, after more intensive chemo treatments, cranial and full-body irradiation, Sarah received a transplant with a liter of bone marrow donated by her 10-year-old brother, James. Six weeks after what appeared to be a successful transplant, Sarah relapsed, her leukemia being more aggressive than when originally diagnosed. During her illness, Sarah spent a total of five months in the hospital.

Sadly, on Nov. 9, 2002, after a nine-month battle with leukemia, Sarah passed away.

Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among United States children under age 15 with, on average, one to two children developing the disease each year for over 10,000 children in the United States. Leukemias and brain tumors account for over one-half of the new cases and in Hicksville the statistics are increasing.

Through her illness, Sarah matured into a brave young woman and a courageous fighter and until the last couple of weeks, always smiled and never complained. Sarah had a unique love of life and a strong desire to live. She loved music, crafts, ballgames and would wake up after every bone marrow aspiration, spinal tap or surgery and immediately pronounce, "I need a craft and a snack."

The Weipperts have experienced firsthand the devastating impact of this disease and the psychological and financial burden it places on the family. Sarah was never alone. Each night she spent in the hospital, her parents alternated so that one of them was always there. They were very fortunate that whoever was home each night had a home cooked meal prepared by friends and family and an overwhelming outpouring of community support. Their son was shuffled from one friend's house to another and the Weipperts realize that not all families are as fortunate as they were to receive such tremendous support.

As a result, it is the Weipperts' mission, in Sarah's memory, to ignite that same spark in other children and let them see life through Sarah's eyes. For this reason, the Weipperts have established The Sarah Grace Foundation for Children with Cancer, Inc., a non-profit corporation dedicated to improving the quality of life of children with cancer and providing comfort and support to the families of children suffering from cancer.

Working with the Children's Cancer Center at Schneider's Children's Hospital at North Shore - Manhasset, where Sarah was treated, the Weipperts can identify the children and families in need. They will be providing children's wishes such as toys, crafts, concert or ballgame tickets, games or other pleasures unique to them. Because the illness impacts the entire family, they will also provide comparable wishes to siblings of sick children. Financial support and other assistance to the family to help offset medical costs and other related expenses will also be provided so that all efforts can be focused on where they are needed most - to care for the sick child.

The Weipperts are beginning a general fund drive campaign and have the following events scheduled at this time:

Garage and Tag Sale: Saturday, July 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; rain or shine at 217 Plainview Road, Hicksville.

Motorcycle Rally and Carnival: Sunday, Aug. 10 in Amityville.

If you wish to make a donation, please send checks, payable to The Sara Grace Foundation for Children with Cancer, Inc., to 217 Plainview Road, Hicksville NY 11801. For information about upcoming events, call the Weipperts at 433-3397.