Our beloved Kat is fighting a battle that no one should have to fight. The month of June started with hopes and dreams and even found the entire family at a camp that was filled with fun, fellowship, and faith. The day after returning from this memorable trip, Kat's mountain top experience came to a screeching halt when she felt something - not a "lump" or a "pea" like women have been taught to look for, but instead thickening of the skin on her breast.
Her worst fear became a reality when she was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). IBC is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that accounts for less than 5% of all breast cancers.
If you know Kat, then you know she is a fighter, but more than that, she knows and loves Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Her faith has brought great strength and solace, knowing that God is with her on this journey. Her constant refrain is "God is SO MUCH better than good", and she is happy to share the source of her hope with doctors, nurses, fellow patients, and anyone who wants to know. She continues to spread joy wherever she goes!
Kat has an excellent medical team in Colorado Springs, as well as a supporting team of IBC experts at MD Anderson in Houston, but her battle is going to be long and difficult. While she remains optimistic, the reality of the expenses they will incur during her treatment has hit hard. These expenses include medical costs not covered by insurance, travel to MD Anderson for continued follow-up, miscellaneous items that need to be purchased during chemo and following surgery, and counseling expenses that are not covered and are needed to help the family deal with this life changing diagnosis.
In addition to all the medical expenses, the Willcox family is facing additional education expenses for the boys. Prior to the diagnosis, Kat and Travis found an amazing school for their sons, Kai and Bryden. The tuition expenses seemed out of their reach until Kat was offered a position as a Spanish teacher. Kat's salary was going to be a much appreciated supplement to Travis' United States Air Force salary but, unfortunately, her weakened immune system forced her to have to decline the position. While the University School has been extremely gracious to cover part of the tuition expenses, there are still additional expenses that must be paid during this school year.
Over the months ahead, they will need to be at countless doctor appointments, chemotherapy, surgeries and radiation treatments. As you can imagine, the additional expenses will be a significant burden. Any help we can provide will enable the Willcox family to concentrate on Kat getting well and fighting this wicked disease called cancer.
From the bottom of our hearts, we humbly ask that you prayerfully consider giving (any amount will help) and that you share this link with friends and family.
We sincerely thank you for all of your prayers, love, and support. May God bless each one of you!!
