Aggressive cancer diagnosis prompts Shelby County superintendent to retire

SHELBYVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Dozens of people lined up outside Shelby County's Blair Center on Friday eager for the chance to help save a life.

Shelby County Schools and The American Red Cross teamed up to host a "Donate Day" for the community. People were able to donate blood or sign up for the bone marrow transplant registry.

Community blood drives are quite common, but the purpose of the people inside the Blair Center Friday was uncommon. Most inside the room have a dedicated educator in mind.

"One day, we're healthy and we're living our lives," said Dr. Sally Sugg, superintendent of Shelby County Schools. "The next day ,something really tells us that we're not in control."

Sugg faced her toughest challenge yet last month: a cancer diagnosis. Doctors said it's Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

"It hit me out of the blue, to be really honest," she said. "I had no symptoms."

To survive, Sugg will need to find a match for a bone marrow transplant. She frequently needs blood transfusions and decided to retire at the end of the school year. 

At the moment, Sugg doesn't have an official match for a transplant. What she does have is faith.

"I have a peace about the diagnosis," she said. "I have a very strong faith and I know that God is with me, and He is a lot bigger than cancer."

Prompted by Sugg's needs for blood and a bone marrow match, community members, teachers, friends and colleagues showed up to the Blair Center to help make a difference. All of those who attended either donated blood or signed up for the bone marrow registry.

"About 25% of all blood donations will end up going to someone with some form of cancer," said Traci Early, district health coordinator for Shelby County Schools.

"We're leading for her and living in a way that's supporting one another," Southside Elementary Principal Shannon Pfaff added as she gave blood.

More than 90 people pre-registered for the Donate Day in Shelby County, and dozens more came without an appointment.

"Shelby County shows up," Earley said. "Always."

Sugg was not able to attend the drive, an effort to limit exposure to others while she undergoes treatment for the aggressive cancer. Despite this tumultuous test, she is ever the educator as remains teaching that life's trials will test your faith.

"Think of all of the people in the future that could benefit from those that register today," she said. "Anyone registering could be saving a life."

You can sign up for the bone marrow donor registry by clicking here.

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