Sarah Dudley

Sarah Grace Dudley was an extraordinary young lady who truly knew how to enjoy, cherish and celebrate every moment that life had to offer. She wanted only to bring joy and comfort to as many people as possible, a feat she approached with an amazing energy that would accompany her throughout her life. September 29, 1978, was a blessed day for David and Cherie (Trippy) Dudley. That was the day their little angel, Sarah Grace, was born at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. Her parents didn’t know it at the time, but this little angel would grow to be a living miracle. At the tender age of five, Sarah would already experience great loss when her baby sister, Anna Renee, died shortly after birth. It wasn’t long before she welcomed sister Erica into her heart and home. At seven, Sarah was a big fan of the movie E.T. and took to hiding baby Erica among her vast collection of stuff animals, just like the movie. Although Sarah was six years older than Erica, the sisters shared a very special bond right from the get go. Sarah took her role as big sister seriously and protectively watched over Erica, teaching her everything about life. Sarah attended Parkwood Upjohn Elementary School, Millwood Middle School and later graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1997. It was here that her natural athletic ability made her a standout in many sports, especially volleyball. Her energetic personality and natural leadership qualities made her a great “team captain” in every sport she played. In the 8th grade, Sarah was the 2nd overall pick for the USA volleyball team. Unfortunately, being diagnosed with cancer just three weeks later overshadowed this news. Sports were not all Sarah excelled in, she was very bright and graduated in the top 20 at Loy Norrix. This led to a full scholarship at Western Michigan University, which she was not able to accept because of her health. Not deterred, Sarah began to put her full energy into sharing her experiences, medically and spiritually, with the world. Throughout her 25 years of life, she was a strong advocate for many for new medical treatments and for patients who were enduring the same disease. Sarah had two types of cancer. First, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease in 1993, though she was cancer free for a period of ten years. Secondly, Sarah found out she had a brain tumor. In 1998, Sarah underwent one of three brain surgeries, which lasted 12 hours. She was awake for the entire procedure. After this long process, Sarah awoke and was not able to speak. This led her to discover her “quiet space.” She learned the real importance of communication and, as she would say, the importance “of living in the now.” Wanting to share this inner peace with everyone, Sarah developed a graph in the shape of a cross that explains all the different meanings from birth to death. She strongly believed that you could get to your inner peace without giving up if only you would “Release your layers.” After her 1998 surgery, Sarah began to emanate with a “glow” that many people stood in awe at. As all good parents, Sarah’s wanted her to have the best care possible and traversed the world looking for the treatment that would save her life. Most of the treatments were still in the experimental stages. Sarah, therefore, was sort of like a guinea pig for these treatments that are now standard in the medical world. Because of their vast knowledge from their many travels, her family has become a resource of information for other families who are faced with similar conditions. Sarah was passionate about spreading her knowledge. For six years she took time to talk to 2nd year medical students at U of M as well as speaking at KCMS and other nationally recognized medical programs all about living their life in the moment. She also created a website at www.sarahdudley.com to share her knowledge with others. Whether it was her understanding and zest for life or the many treatments she endured, Sarah surprised all her doctors by far exceeding her life expectancy. Even at the age of 13, the world knew the Sarah was wise beyond her years. She moved through life at an energized but constant pace, taking all obstacles in stride. Sarah was a tremendous poet and wrote a poem called “Blessings” which portrayed her thoughts on the “process of facing death.” Western Michigan University was fascinated by her theory and they did a documentary about her life. Sarah also wrote “Death at the right time is OK” and “Just open yourself a little and people will come in.” Some of her poetry has been published and next month, Sarah will grace the cover of the Kalamazoo Wellness magazine. Sarah also wrote a book, which her family will see that her legacy is carried on with the publishing of her story. Art was yet another tool Sarah used to creatively express her feelings. Her art of healing was showcased in Kalamazoo at her own opening at Little City Gallery about a year ago. Hundreds of people came to view her masterpieces, and although Sarah had recently suffered another stroke, she proudly attended and took in every minute of it. A young lady of great strength and determination, Sarah’s energy seemed endless. For the last six years, she was the girls’ volleyball coach at Millwood Middle School. Even after a day of treatments, she and her sister Erica would get all dressed up and go out for a night of salsa dancing, which Sarah loved. At 19, Sarah was already a world traveler, but decided to take one more adventure to Puerto Rico on her own for 3 months. Whether through the internet or in her worldly travels, Sarah had friends everywhere in the world. When relaxing, Sarah enjoyed listening to classical music and “Yesterday” by the Beatles. As she listened she tended to her bonsai trees, which sometimes took hours, but she always came away with renewed strength. One very memorable day for Sarah took place on February 11, 2004. In a very intimate ceremony, Sarah was baptized, confirmed and had her first communion into the Catholic Church by close friend, Father Fitz. Once again, she glowed like an angel and Father Fritz asked Sarah’s mother “How is it being the mother of a saint?” Sarah Grace Dudley was nothing less than extraordinary. Towards the end she when her energy for life was starting to dim, she did the one thing she knew best – she unwrapped her last layer - her human body - and went home with dignity and wonderful peace. Sarah Grace Dudley died on Saturday, May 8, 2004. Sarah was preceded in death by her grandfather, Richard Trippy, and infant sister, Anna Renee. Surviving are her parents, Cherie Trippy and David Rank of Kalamazoo; her birth father, David Dudley of Norfolk, NE; a sister, Erica Dudley of Kalamazoo; grandmother, Barbara Trippy, and Uncle John Trippy both of Bryan, OH; and many extended family members. To share in Sarah’s life story and view her life story film, friends may visit with her family on Tuesday, May 25, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, Stadium Drive, West of US-131, 375-2900. The essence of Sarah’s life will be celebrated at her funeral mass on Wednesday, May 26, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas More Parish. A celebration party will start at 4:00 p.m. at 4744 Carver Drive. To read Sarah’s complete life story, archive a favorite memory of her or make a memorial contribution to “Family Hope Chest” c/o the funeral home, please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com Although her time was short, Sarah’s family and friends will cherish the memories of her smile, her enthusiasm as well has her successes in life. She was a ray of sunshine for all those who were close enough to receive the gift of her warmth.