Our Story
One little life. A lasting legacy of grace.
Born from love.
Rooted in faith.
Called to serve.
Her memory continues to inspire a legacy of love, grace, and service.
Sarah Elizabeth
Psalm 22:9
Sarah's Story
"Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother's breast."
Sarah Elizabeth came into our lives on September 24, 2003, arriving early because of an unexpected medical emergency. Despite her early arrival, Sarah did wonderfully and came home with no known health concerns. We settled into life together, grateful for every moment with our little girl.
That Thanksgiving, we traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina, to spend time with family. It was a special Thanksgiving together and, though we could never have known it then, those moments would become more precious than we could ever have imagined.
The following day, November 28, while we were attending a hockey game, Sarah was nursing in her mother’s arms when she suffered a massive heart attack. Sarah died that day, just over two months after she came into our lives.
In the days, months, and years that followed, God’s love and strength carried our family when our own strength could not. We experienced firsthand what it means for others to be the hands and feet of Christ through the people who surrounded us with love, prayer, compassion, and care.
That same faith and the grace of God that carried us then continue to carry us today.
Grace Carries Her Story Forward
Years later, Sarah’s younger sister, Hannah, would grow up knowing Sarah through photographs, stories, and the love our family continues to hold for her. Although Hannah never had the opportunity to meet her sister, she has always longed to know her and has carried a special connection to the sister who came before her.
There is something especially meaningful about Hannah’s own name: Hannah means “grace.”
Hannah has a strong faith and a heart for others. She wants others to know the faith and hope she has found in Christ. When she sees someone hurting, hungry, cold, or in need, her heart is to find a way to help.
From Grace to Action
That faith and compassion became Hands of Grace Sarah Elizabeth Foundation.
Hands of Grace brings the stories of two sisters together. It honors Sarah Elizabeth’s memory while giving Hannah a way to turn her love, faith, and compassion into action.
Through food assistance, Grace Kits filled with food and hygiene essentials, outreach to those experiencing homelessness, prayer, Bible studies, and other acts of service, Hands of Grace seeks to meet people where they are—helping with practical needs while reminding them that they are seen, cared for, and loved.
Our purpose is simple: to be the hands and feet of Christ and share God’s grace with people who need it most.
Her Story Continues
Sarah Elizabeth’s life was short, but her story did not end there.
Through Hannah, through Hands of Grace, and through every person who chooses to serve with compassion, her legacy continues. What began with one little life has become an opportunity to share God’s grace with people who need to know they are seen, cared for, and loved.
Love became a legacy. Grace put it into action.