Area teen on hospice, community rallies

by Joseph Back

Sophi Sanchez is home from the hospital, but not in the way that everyone had hoped. After undergoing multiple surgeries to remove new tumors in an attempt to save Sophi’s life, the cancer is still not defeated and will win this fight, barring a miracle. Now on hospice at her family’s home in Stanley after first being diagnosed three years ago, Sophi shared her thoughts to the group “Sophi’s Warriors #fightwithsophi.”

“I’m sorry I’m making everyone sad by leaving,” she wrote on Saturday. “Trust me if I had a choice I would most definitely stay and Live.. .but I don’t… Because cancer is a beast. A monster that takes the light out of everything.” Asking that those around her “please try to stay happy” in the time that she has left with family and friends, Sophi closed out her post with a thank you to the community. “1 love you all so much!” she shared, “Thank you for all the love support and prayers.”

Seeking to comfort and spread light to Sophi and her family in this difficult holiday season, the community came together, and within just days of knowing Sophi would come home the group “Singing for Sophi” was started on Facebook, started by Becky Peterson with seven original members and going from there. As of Sunday night, there were more than 90 Facebook group members for “Singing for Sophi.”

“We have all followed Sophi Sanchez’s journey and have prayed so hard for her and her family,” Becky Peterson wrote to members of the Facebook group’s members via Messenger. “After hearing the devastating news today and we can only imagine as parents what this family is going through.” Wanting to try and bring some holiday cheer, a date was set to show up outside the Sanchez home on Garfield Street Sunday night December 13, at 6:00 p.m.

See SOPHI, Page 3

Seeking to bring holiday cheer to a family in need, community members gathered outside the home of Sophi Sanchez and family to sing Christmas carols. Sanchez has been placed on hospice care after surgery to remove recurrent tumors was unsuccessful in checking the cancer’s spread. Staff Photo.

Sophi Sanchez SOPHI

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Initially planning to meet near the IGA parking lot before plans were changed to meet and journey from the Fire Hall, a group numbering 25 and growing came At the time to set out from the _re house, over 50 people

were assembled in the light snowfall and freezing temperatures to make the journey to try and give joy to Sophi and her family. With Fire Chief Korey Hagenson and his crew being enlisted to provide support and temporarily block streets to ensure group safety as they made the trek, “Singers for Sophi” sang “Jingle Bells,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Joy to the World,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and “Silent Night” as family members watched from both inside and outside, while Sophi waved to the crowd through a window. With candles lit in red plastic cups and electric LED Tealights to leave in support, carolers came to the window after singing was _nished and waved

to Sophi, who waved back.

Also included in the group effort at holiday cheer were holiday treats for the family and a yellow canvas for carolers to sign saying “We love you Sophi,” made and contributed by Donna Boettcher. Felt tip markers were on hand for carolers to sign at the Fire Hall. And while Sophi’s family is understandably preoccupied right now, they were visibly grateful as the carolers came by to spread some cheer.

For those interested in donating, the fundraiser to help with medical costs is still ongoing.

Donna Boettcher shows the signed yellow canvas that carolers presented to Sophi. Sta_ Photo.