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SALT LAKE CITY — This week's High 5 goes to a young woman who is dealing with a family tragedy by helping others.
Sarah Dufour lost her sister and best friend Christi to breast cancer two years ago. Christi was diagnosed when she was just 29 years old.
Sarah's husband, Fabrice Dufour, said, "A lot of people can just fold and just be sad for the rest of their life. She is honoring Christi by taking her memory and helping these other women. I know that is what Christi would want."
Sarah decided to remember her sister's spunk and energy by starting the Christi Anderson Rack Pack Foundation, a personal support team for those undergoing breast cancer treatments. Marge Thornton, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and kidney cancer on the same day in March 2011 is just one of the people Sarah has helped.
"That smile. That's what gets you through it, and those kind people. They are all so kind," Thornton said.
The Rack Pack Foundation assembles gift bags full of treats, uplifting quotes, blankets, gas cards and a small heart pillow for under the arm after surgery. For people undergoing chemo like Thornton, this bag can mean the world.
"It was like getting a hug only it didn't just last a moment; it lasted a few months. So, it was nice," she said.
Angie Rogers nominated Sarah for the High 5. "She has been my best friend for the last 20 years. The entire time I've known her she has really given back with no recognition," Rogers said.
Sarah said, "We want to help as many people as we can. You can get angry about (losing someone to cancer) or you can get passionate about it and help the women that are in the same situation that are going to pull through it."
Sarah's father, Mike Earlewine, added, "It's awesome that we took something so tragic and it's become this wonderful thing. Sarah and her energy behind it have just been so wonderful. It just shows her spirit."
Her mother, Michele Earlewine, says Sarah cares for people and is always looking out for them and wanting the best for them. "She is just amazing," Michele said.
As part of the High 5, Sarah received a gift basket full of goodies and $100 in services from our High 5 partners at Les Schwab.
If you'd like to nominate someone for a High 5, click here.
