Sara Bennett has passed away: a mother of two from Columbus and a champion for ALS awareness.

 COLUMBUS, Ohio — Sara Elizabeth Adams Bennett, a dedicated mother, teacher, and passionate supporter of the ALS community, has passed away following a brave three-year struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. She departed this life on Monday, January 12, embraced by her loved ones, leaving behind a legacy characterized by strength, empathy, and a sense of purpose.

Bennett lived in Columbus and was the mother of two young boys and the partner of her husband, Rusty. As a retired educator and professional organizer, she devoted 15 years to teaching high school social studies in Columbus until ALS altered her life course. Despite the relentless and untreatable neurological disorder taking its toll, Bennett remained committed to educating others—modifying her teaching methods for different venues and audiences.

Receiving her diagnosis in her late thirties, Bennett openly shared her experiences with ALS, providing practical advice, insights, and motivation through social media platforms. Her straightforward updates aimed at assisting families in preparing emotionally and practically for grief, while also shedding light on the challenges of parenting through serious health issues. Through this, she became a reliable voice and pillar of support for many facing comparable situations.

“Continuing to educate and solve problems, but in a different manner,” Bennett remarked once—an ethos that encapsulated how she turned hardship into an opportunity to serve others. Her advocacy centered on love, transparency, and readiness, consistently prioritizing the welfare of her children and the wider ALS community.

Numerous tributes have been shared by friends, former students, fellow educators, and families affected by ALS, with many recalling Bennett as a caring teacher, a passionate defender, and a mother whose commitment was unwavering.

Sara Elizabeth Adams Bennett is remembered as a champion in the fight against ALS, an educator throughout her life, and a mother whose bravery shed light on a challenging path for many. Her influence lives on in the individuals she taught, the families she supported, and the model she provided in confronting illness with dignity and determination.