Our History
Co-founder’s Story: Amy Simpson-Bennethum & Kim Marcum-Mercier
Amy Simpson Bennethum first met Sarah while working at the church where Sarah and her family attended, and they became fast friends. Through Sarah’s illness and treatment and through their work at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Hospital (CCHMC), Kim and Amy witnessed the great need for a pediatric respite and hospice facility in the Cincinnati area.
In 2007, after Sarah died of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma-Leukemia, Sarah’s mom, Kim Marcum, and Amy Simpson Bennethum co-founded the Sarah Zepernick Foundation.
Together as co-chairs, Kim and Amy created and led the Board of Directors. The Board helped write Sarah’s Law HB303 and it was passed by the Ohio Legislature in 2012. The Board continues to spread awareness of the importance of building the Sarah House and is currently seeking funds to hire an Executive Director.
Although Amy stepped down as Co-Chair in 2020, her love, talent, and contributions during her tenure are greatly appreciated. Thank you, Amy! Kim serves as the Vice-Chairperson of Sarah House.
Sarah House
Board of Directors
2022
Amy Simpson Bennethum, Co-Founder bio
Staff Chaplain, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Rev. Amy Simpson Bennethum is a board-certified Staff Chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital working primarily in the cancer institute. She received her Master of Divinity degree from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN. She is endorsed by the Federation of Christian Ministries and board-certified by the Association of Professional Chaplains. Prior to her hospital chaplaincy work, she served as a Children and Youth Pastor in local churches which is where her involvement with Sarah and her family began. Amy first met Sarah while working at the church where Sarah and her family attended and they became fast friends. Through Sarah’s illness and treatment, Amy had the opportunity to witness the great need for a pediatric respite and hospice facility in the Cincinnati area. In Sarah’s memory, Amy began working with Sarah’s mom, Kim, as one of the co-founders of Sarah House. Along the way, she has had the privilege to meet and work with many other families that would benefit from Sarah House. Sarah, Sarah’s family, and the many other families she has journeyed with are what fuel Amy’s passion to make Sarah House a reality.
When Amy is not at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital she is finding opportunities to connect with her three wonderful children, their spouses, and her amazing grandchildren.