January/February Community Leader: Sarah Rausch, PhD

Dr. Sarah Rausch

A new year is a good time to reflect, and at BBBS, our reflections turn to the giving spirits we encountered in 2010. This month, there is one community leader we would like to recognize – Sarah Rausch, Ph.D. As a Big, Dr. Rausch has enjoyed her time with her Little, from reading together to having fun roller skating, making pottery and fishing in Cedar Key. “My Little Sister Rodricka is amazing,” she said. “She is such a bright, vibrant, intelligent, knowledgeable, and honest youth. I consider her part of my family.” Dr. Rausch learned about BBBS through her husband of one and a half years, who was involved in the organization while he was in medical school. She said she had wanted to be a Big for a couple of years and was finally able to when she settled down in Gainesville. Growing up, she was blessed with loving immediate and extended family members who became her mentors, and she wanted to be a mentor to someone else. Speaking about BBBS, Dr. Rausch said, “The entire model of bringing together the community with exceptional gifts and time to give back with youth is outstanding. And of course, the kids in our community should always be our biggest investment. I am so happy and honored to be involved with BBBS.” This year, she was able to play a role in the Holiday Party. She said she wanted to help BBBS’ hard-working staff and contribute to the kids at the same time. Therefore, she said, “I simply helped coordinate the generosity of our community members, and provided them with an opportunity to give back.” Her colleagues at the Moffitt Cancer Center generously gave donations. Before she went to school, the 33-year-old spent five-years doing full-time, international nonprofit work in developing countries such as India, Taiwan and Slovenia. Then she received her Ph.D. in Clinical Health Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, interned at Shands, and completed a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. With a specialization in cancer psychology and cancer research, Dr. Rausch oversees integrative supportive services for cancer patients at all care phases. Additionally, she conducts research on quality-of-life issues for cancer patients. Through her job, Dr. Rausch is able to provide community outreach and education to the community.