On the next episode of Survive & Thrive 8791 Podcast , I welcome Sarah Karls to the Buck & Honey's remote studios. After over 30 years as a social worker, Sarah Karls retired in 2023, ready to enjoy a slower pace, free time and the fruits of an enjoyable career. But life threw her a curveball. In December 2024, during a routine physical, her doctor detected some swelling in her neck. Further testing, including bloodwork and scans, led to an unexpected diagnosis of medullary thyroid cancer.
In early 2025, Sarah underwent surgery to remove her thyroid and several lymph nodes. The diagnosis and subsequent surgery was hard on her, but Sarah would lean on the same resilience and compassion she gave to others throughout her career. Her "one day at a time" approach, a witty sense of humor, and support of her family and friends, Sarah faced each day with purpose.
She threw herself into her diagnosis, made her health journey a top priority, and turned a negative into a positive. Today, she celebrates her most recent scans as they show that her cancer is now undetectable.
Sarah’s story was a rollercoaster ride she won’t forget and one that she shares in hopes of helping others who get a similar diagnosis. This will be a good one, CAN’T WAIT!!!
