Sarah Waul passed away and traded this life for an eternal one on Monday, April 24, 2023, after a long, valiant fight against cancer. She was just 18 years old.
Sarah was born on May 24, 2004, and grew up in North Liberty, IA. She had her first battle with cancer right before her 3rd birthday and defeated that cancer over the next year. Here she lived a life focused on strong friendships and family. She gave over her life and eternal soul to Jesus Christ in 2014.
In 2017, she moved with her family to West Branch where she embraced living life to its fullest. There she was active in marching band, jazz band, pep band, choir and show choir. She also participated in school government, softball and basketball managing and cheer squad. And joined the National Honor Society in 2019. Then in 2020, she moved with her family to Bondurant, IA where she participated in dance team, softball, marching band, band, choir and select choir. Coaches and teammates always shared how she maintained a servant’s heart and was extremely coach-able. She always cherished exceeding anyone’s expectations for her.
Sarah was then diagnosed in 2021 with another rare, aggressive cancer (DSRCTs). Although it ended up taking her life, she refused to let the cancer define her and never gave in to the cancer nor stopped waiting for a cure. She also maintained a strict “no pity party” rule for anyone visiting her during her battle. Sarah worked briefly in the cancer research lab after a period of recession at the University of Iowa. She never complained once in her life about contracting cancer and saw it as a “calling” to inspire others to research cancer as well as fundraising for pediatric cancer research. She held on strongly to her faith even as her health declined.
Sarah was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mary Mclain, Ken Waul, and Paul Dickerson. Sarah is survived by her parents Kevin and Rachel Waul, her siblings, Cameron, Joseph, and Elizabeth Waul and her grandmother, Gerry Dickerson and a very large extended family and a strong group of friends. They ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to her Ever Loved Memorial Fund (https://everloved.com/life-of/sarah-waul/).
Celebration of Life services will be in Bondurant at Federated Church (103 2nd St SW) on Friday, May 5th at 5:30pm. Please wear navy blue (or Fight for 18 shirts) instead of black as Sarah did not want this to be a funeral.
A 2nd Celebration of Life service will also be held at Grace Community Church (2707 Dubuque St NE) in North Liberty, IA on Saturday, May 13th at 11:00am.