Loss Leads To Hope For The Future

Robb and Daryn Sasser Commit to Help Patients on Their Cancer Journey

The Sassers have been giving to the McLeod Health Foundation since 1997. But, it was a life altering loss 20 years later that inspired their current philanthropic focus.

Robb’s mother and both of Daryn’s parents passed away from cancer. The loss of their family members motivated this generous couple to seek out a way to help cancer patients.

Years ago, their good friend Robin Aiken helped establish the HOPE (Helping Oncology Patients Everyday) Fund for patients treated at the McLeod Center for Cancer Treatment and Research. Once Robb and Daryn learned about this special patient assistance fund, they knew immediately this is where they wanted to direct their support.

“Cancer requires everyone in a family to come together to get through it,” Daryn explained.

While Daryn’s father underwent cancer treatment, he was forced to travel over an hour away from their small town for care. Daryn and her siblings lived hours away and had to determine how he would be transported. With the help of a compassionate neighbor, he was able to make it to all of his appointments.

“Robb and I quickly realized that the HOPE Fund would fill the gap for those who do not have this kind of support,” Daryn recalled. “Cancer is so debilitating. It is important to help anyone you can.”

The couple began their crusade for the HOPE Fund with a generous gift from Daryn’s parent’s estate. Later, when the McLeod Foundation launched the HOPE Fund Endowment, it, too, became the focus of the Sasser’s giving.

“The HOPE Fund is special because it truly provides human services beyond medical care to those struggling with their cancer journey,” Robb explained.

“With my career in finance, we have chosen to support the HOPE Fund Endowment to ensure this care is available in perpetuity.”

Believing that McLeod Health is one of our region’s greatest assets, Robb and Daryn also give generously of their time. Both have participated in the McLeod Fellows program. Robb also serves on the McLeod Health Foundation Board and various other committees. Daryn serves on the HOPE Fund Advisory Committee, and volunteers regularly in the Cancer Center.

“We grew up in small towns and both of our families had to travel to larger towns for advanced healthcare,” Robb said. “We have always known that we are blessed to live in a place that has such excellent healthcare close to home.”

While the impact of Robb and Daryn’s gifts help those in our region, their thoughts always return to their beloved parents when supporting the McLeod Foundation.

“We are comforted by the fact that the passing of our parents has led us to a legacy of giving back to help others in their cancer journey,” Robb reflected. “We are confident they would approve.”