In Loving Memory of Sarah Madl

 Survived by:

Tom & Marsha Madl, Parents
Adam Madl, Brother
Mary Madl, Sister
Will Arasmith, Boyfriend

Written by Marsh Madl

The story of Sarah Ann Madl began February 21, 1988 in Topeka KS. It should have been a long novel with each day a page and each year a chapter, but her story was cut short by a villain named colorectal cancer. She was diagnosed in February 2010 and fought for her life until February 2011.

She attended Randolph Elementary, Robinson Middle School and graduated from Topeka High School where she was involved in the band, theater and tennis. Sarah was a senior at Washburn University, studying to be a librarian, a member of Sigma Alpha Iota Sorority and played in the WU Marching Band. She was 11 hours away from competing her Bachelor’s degree. Her degree was awarded posthumously in May 2011.

Sarah loved books, music, coffee and, the love of her life, Will Arasmith, who was a constant source of strength and happiness to her. Sarah was a delight who was known to be an old soul. She was fun loving, kind, considerate, and passionate passionate. Sarah was interested in programs to help adolescents with bullying and self-acceptance, and she wanted to introduce children to the power of books. Sarah volunteered at church and the local library. Two academic scholarships have been established in her honor.

She was not ready to die. Sarah wanted to travel and see the world, get married, have a family. Family was very important to her, looked forward to holidays and family get-togethers – never wanted to miss them. Many people called her an old soul, wise beyond her years. Sarah had the ability to comfort others who were hurting. As a child, she would pat you, while giving you a hug.

Everything about her was special. Sarah was a very special child, and had much concern for others. While fighting cancer, she was concerned with the impact it was having on our family. She was an important part of our family, and is missed every single day. We miss the everyday things the most – drinking coffee together, sharing a meal, just hanging out.

Watching Sarah go through all of the changes in her body – living with an ileostomy (devastating at any age, but very difficult at age 22), the hair loss and skin issue associated with chemotherapy, not to mention what it does to your stamina and spirit, yet she was still able to maintain a positive attitude most of the time. Of course, we all had our moments of sadness and feeling devastated, but she never lost hope that she would be cured. One of my favorite quotes from her blog – “I may have cancer, but I am still me and still bring the heat!”