Sarah Glad, a program officer at the John William Pope Foundation, passed away on January 19, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. She was 35 years old.
Glad was a passionate advocate for freedom, opportunity, and human dignity. She joined the Pope Foundation in June 2021, where she was involved in many areas of the foundation’s giving, including public interest law and legal studies, higher education, and human services.
She also served as a 2020-2021 E.A. Morris Fellow at the John Locke Foundation, a think tank that promotes limited government, free markets, and individual liberty in North Carolina.
A Life of Service and Leadership
Sarah Glad was born on March 31, 1988, in Raleigh, North Carolina. She graduated from Wakefield High School in 2008, where she was a student leader and a varsity soccer player. She then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and history in 2012.
She began her career as a legislative assistant at the North Carolina General Assembly, where she worked for several lawmakers, including former House Speaker Tim Moore. She later joined the North Carolina Department of the State Treasurer as an information and communications specialist, where she helped manage the department’s website, social media, and public relations.
In 2019, she enrolled in the Master of Public Administration program at North Carolina State University, where she focused on nonprofit management and public policy. She was expected to graduate in May 2024.
Glad was also an active member of several civic and professional organizations, such as the Junior League of Raleigh, the North Carolina Federation of Republican Women, and the Raleigh Professional Women’s Forum. She volunteered for various causes, such as the Salvation Army, the Ronald McDonald House, and the Special Olympics.
READ ALSO:- Travis Seay, a Father of Four, Killed by a Drunk Driver in a Horrific Crash
A Legacy of Inspiration and Impact
Glad was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in October 2020, but she did not let her illness stop her from pursuing her goals and passions. She continued to work at the Pope Foundation and the John Locke Foundation, as well as to study at NC State. She also maintained a positive outlook and a strong faith, inspiring many people with her courage and resilience.
She documented her journey on her blog, [Sarah’s Fight], where she shared her thoughts, feelings, and experiences with honesty and humor. She also used her platform to raise awareness and funds for colon cancer research and prevention.
Sarah Glad’s death has left a deep void in the hearts of many who knew and loved her. She is survived by her husband, Matt Glad, her parents, David and Susan Glad, her brother, Daniel Glad, and her extended family and friends.
She is also remembered by the many organizations and individuals that she supported and influenced through her work at the Pope Foundation and the John Locke Foundation. Her colleagues and partners have expressed their gratitude and admiration for her contributions and achievements.
“Sarah was a bright light in our organization and in our community. She was a talented and dedicated professional who cared deeply about advancing the causes of freedom and opportunity. She was also a kind and compassionate person who touched the lives of many people. We will miss her dearly, but we will honor her legacy by continuing her work,” said Art Pope, chairman of the Pope Foundation.
“Sarah was a remarkable leader and a dear friend. She was a fearless and faithful warrior for liberty and justice. She was also a generous and joyful spirit who brought happiness and hope to everyone around her. We are heartbroken by her loss, but we are inspired by her example. She will always be a part of our family,” said Amy O. Cooke, CEO of the John Locke Foundation.
How to Honor Sarah Glad’s Memory
A memorial service for Sarah Glad will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh. The service will be livestreamed on the church’s website for those who cannot attend in person.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the [Sarah Memorial Fund], which will support the causes and organizations that Sarah cared about, such as the Pope Foundation, the John Locke Foundation, the Colon Cancer Coalition, and the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Sarah Glad was a champion of freedom and opportunity, a life of service and leadership, and a legacy of inspiration and impact. She will be remembered as a beloved wife, daughter, sister, friend, and colleague, and as a role model and a hero for many.
