Lighting the Way in Texas
Meet Sarah Marshall, 2026 Purple Torch Award Honoree
At Children's Cancer Association's Live from the Heart celebration in April 2026, we were honored to present the Purple Torch Award to Sarah Marshall, a tireless advocate, supporter, and champion for children and families facing serious illness.
For Sarah, this work is deeply personal.
"I've been involved in cancer organizations forever," says Sarah, reflecting on years of service with organizations including the Livestrong Foundation, Texas 4000 and other cancer-focused causes. Sarah is an executive coach and communications consultant and a member of the Children’s Cancer Association’s Austin Leadership Council. But her connection to CCA’s JoyRx programs in Texas runs deeper than philanthropy alone. It's rooted in family, music, and the understanding that healing properties extend beyond the power of medicine.
At a young age, Sarah lost her brother Chris to cancer. Throughout that journey, music surfaced as a source of comfort and connection for the entire family.
"Chris loved music,” says Sarah, “and after we lost him, music was one of the healing sources that saved my mother.”
Sarah’s experience is one of the reasons CCA's mission resonated so profoundly when she first became involved with the organization in 2017 during SXSW. She had spent years working alongside technology and music companies as a PR professional at the international festival and conference. While she was familiar with countless organizations making an impact in Austin, CCA stood out because of its commitment to deliver joy in dark moments.
For a gal from the Lone Star State, the promise of bringing joy to the state’s smallest patients through music particularly struck a chord. Reflecting on her brother Chris’ battle and her own journey as a cancer survivor, Sarah understands that a musical distraction means more than just passing the time.
"CCA understands that illness impacts more than just the child," she says. "It impacts the whole family. The ability to serve and bring joy to a family, and especially to the child in the hospital is incredibly powerful.”
Sarah’s perspective comes from lived experience. One memory of her brother continues to stay with her. One of the last times he was being wheeled into the hospital, he shared a fear that many families facing serious illness understand all too well.
"He said to my mom, 'I'm really worried,'" Sarah remembers. “He was such an incredible soul.”
But even in that moment, Chris's humor and spirit were incredibly bright. He told their mom he wasn’t sure if his destination should be Texas or heaven and quoted the Tanya Tucker song Texas When I Die:
When I die, I may not go to heaven
Well, I don't know if they let cowboys in
If they don't just let me go to Texas…
The lyrics capture both Chris’ personality and his family's deep connection to Austin's music scene. Sarah's mother was a passionate supporter of local musicians for more than 35 years. A fixture at beloved venues like the Saxon Pub, she built lasting friendships throughout the Austin music community and welcomed artists like Warren Hood into her extended family.
That love of music, community, and connection remains a driving force behind Sarah's commitment to CCA today. As a member of Children's Cancer Association’s Austin Leadership Council, she has been inspired not only by the organization's mission, but by its people.
"I love being part of a young - well, here in Austin - organization,” she says, “that’s making a real difference right here with an impactful team.”
Her leadership, generosity, and advocacy have helped expand awareness of CCA's work while strengthening connections throughout Central Texas. Whether introducing new supporters to the mission, sharing her family's story, or championing the healing power of music, Sarah has become an extraordinary ambassador for children and families who need support the most.
Her story reminds us that while illness can touch every member of a family, so can joy. Through music, community, and human connection, laughter finds a way to shine through. The Purple Torch Award recognizes individuals who illuminate the way forward through compassion, service, and dedication. Sarah embodies all three, and like Texas’ stellar nickname, she shines big and bright. Deep in the heart of Texas.