After returning to school this fall following recovery from bone cancer, senior Sara Swenson will not be taking classes this semester. According to her mother Noreen Swenson’s blog on Sara’s condition, Sara has begun oral chemo to help with several tumors that have appeared in her lungs.
Her roommate Kristen Allen said it is Swenson’s plan to visit if she feels better. But at this point, she is unsure about future plans. Swenson’s close friend Corban graduate Liz Bates said, “To hear the news she did, after she had been in Oregon and been ‘fine,’ has got to be one of the most surprising and scary things possible.”
All this considered, her friends say she is doing well emotionally. Allen said, “Emotionally, I think Sara is holding up as well as can be expected. Obviously, this isn’t something that’s easy to deal with, but Sara has an amazing spirit and an amazing support system from her family.”
Corban ASB is putting together a video message to send to Sara, and they are inviting students to participate. ASB will be videotaping on Wednesday on the couches in the Psalm Center after chapel and in the ASB office (located in the bottom floor of Schimmel across from the Manna Room) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those who are unable to visit during that time, may still participate by emailing a short message (two to three sentences) or a short video clip (30 seconds) to asb.corban.edu by Wednesday afternoon.
“I think these gestures mean a lot to her, and I know she appreciates the letters, prayers, and kind words from people,” Bates said. “It’s important right now to be there for Sara as much as she wants and needs, and it’s our job as her friends and Corban community to support her without smothering her.”
Those who wish to keep updated on her condition can visit Noreen Swenson’s blog by clicking here.