In Loving Memory of Michelle Sorbello

by Kelsey Ruocco June 01, 2023

Michelle Sorbello became a part of the Move For Jenn Foundation family in the fall of 2020 when she connected with Jenn after seeing Jenn's story by Michelle Boudin in People Magazine.

"She garnered national attention earlier this year after revealing in a Facebook Live video that a pedicurist found a “pea-sized” tumor on her right foot, leading to the diagnosis. Andrews had the growth removed once, but when the low-grade myxoid sarcoma came back a second time, doctors told her that amputation was her best option to become cancer free."

Jenn shared her story to hopefully help others not feel alone. She had no idea it would help another woman finally receive a very similar diagnosis.

Michelle said, "I remember reading it and saying, 'I really hope this lump isn’t cancerous,' and my mom said, 'You’re just being paranoid.'"

"Knowing Jenn’s story, reading it helped me prepare to push for additional testing."

Months after connecting with Jenn, Sorbello learned she too had sarcoma– and ultimately needed to amputate her foot as well.

"Reading her story gave me peace and knowing how active she was – I knew amputation would give me a quality of life," Sorbello said. "I live my life, I enjoy my life, I can run and play with my daughter — so amputation was the best option for me."

Soon after connecting, Jenn and Michelle became fast friends. They connected over their diagnoses, amputations, and similar lifestyles. Michelle became a passionate advocate and supporter of the foundation, including organizing her own Pajamas All Day 5K/10K in her home state of Florida each year.

We are heart broken to share that Michelle passed on May 13 after courageously battling clear cell sarcoma for three years. Michelle was kind, caring, passionate, strong, and loving. She will be greatly missed.

From Michelle's obituary:

Michelle Marie Sorbello (Anderson) passed away on May 13th, 2023 at the age of 37 in Sanford, FL after a long battle of Clear-Cell Sarcoma Cancer, she was surrounded by her family. Michelle was born on November 25th, 1985 in South Bend, IN to Jane (Poorman) Anderson and the late Robert Anderson. She graduated from Lake Mary High School and went on to earn her Master’s from the University of Central Florida. Michelle had a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant at McDirmit Davis.

Michelle was known for her courage, intelligence, bravery, and strong-willed personality. She was a loving wife to her husband Jeffrey Sorbello and a proud mother to her daughter Brianna. Michelle was also a beloved daughter to Jane Anderson, sister to Dawn (Brian) Reublin, and aunt to Bradley Reublin. She was preceded in death by her father Robert Anderson, sister Amanda Anderson, and grandparents George and Roberta Anderson and Robert and Marcella Williams.

In her free time, Michelle enjoyed running and spending time at the beach, but most importantly she loved making memories with her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Move for Jenn Foundation. Michelle will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Michelle's family invites you to wear pink in her honor on Saturday, June 3. Pink was Michelle's favorite color and they would like to light up the world "like she lit up our lives."

Clear cell sarcoma, or CCS, is a type of cancer called soft tissue sarcoma. CCS tumors occur most often in the arms, legs, feet, and hands. But, CCS can grow throughout the torso, including the stomach and intestines. CCS has also been found in the genitals and head. Clear cell sarcoma gets its name from the fact that the cells of the tumor look clear under a microscope. - National Cancer Institute