Susan Sandler spent 30 years working in the non-profit sector, primarily on issues of education reform and educational equity. She was also a licensed clinical social worker.

In September 2016, Susan was diagnosed with grade IV glioblastoma. Having undergone successful surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy, the tumor returned in 2017. Once again, she underwent surgery, followed by radiation and then immunotherapy.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive form of brain cancer with a median survival rate of 18 months. Susan survived GBM  for 6 years and 3 months. She passed away at the age of 58 in 2022. 

She is survived by her loving husband, Steve, to whom she was married for 30 years. She is also survived by her brother Jim and his wife Gretchen, and her niece Leah and nephew Elijah.