In January I set a goal to raise as much money as I could to support my incredible cousin Katie’s battle with Stage 4 Triple Negative Metastic Breast Cancer. I was able to run the 2024 San Antonio Alamo Half Marathon in March and raise $2,400 for Katie before she passed on May 29, 2024. In her honor, I will continue my races with the NYCRuns New Jersey Half Marathon in September and the Rock n' Roll Marathon in December. All the remaining proceeds will go towards the funds necessary to publish the book of her legacy, which is being finished by her husband Matt, and a scholarship fund in her name for the students of Crockett ISD where she worked. A virtual race will be held in October 2024 in her name, stay tuned for further updates.
Katie wasn’t just a survivor, she was a thriving educator, wife, sister, friend, daughter, cousin and life changer. Despite battling cancer since 2019, Katie defied odds while still displaying her identity through her lowest moments and greatest successes. She graduated with her MEd, met the love of her life AND married him, accomplished TEN years of being an educator, navigated life through COVID-19, traveled the world, met her heroes, and became a hero to many.
Please read Katie's story below:
My story is not typical. I was a healthy 28-year-old when I discovered a lump in my breast, then diagnosed with stage 3 cancer the week of my 29th birthday. Not even a month after my diagnosis, I began chemotherapy and a journey I never expected to encounter.
Almost two years to the day later, I was rediagnosed with Stage 4 Triple Negative Metastic Breast Cancer. The cancer appeared in some nodules near my lungs and I developed a harsh cough. I spent the next couple of months trying to see what fertility options were available for me before starting chemotherapy for the third time. The results were not what I was expecting, even after hearing that there was a slight chance I could have my own child. I was told my eggs were in the menopausal range and to put my life first. I proceeded to start chemo in January 2023. After chemo stopped working in August, I was told I had months to live, due to the growth of tumor markers and the metastasis to my brain and lungs. I was treated with a different chemo and continued the fight. Tumor markers went down to 4, then up again to 200+. The cancer had metastasized to my bones, specifically my lower back, which made me bedridden over the winter break. Radiation helped immensely and I regained my mobility. I’m currently undergoing chemo again indefinitely.
Over the last three years, I have endured a total of 22 months of chemo (still ongoing as of February 24’), 45 radiation treatments, three major surgeries, and countless doctor appointments (probably averaging to once a week). I have lost my hair three times, my breasts, my energy, my appetite, my memory, my fertility... but I have not lost hope. I have not lost love.
I currently live with my husband Matt. We just got married in October 2023 and I am currently working full-time as an instructional coach at a junior high, as I believe in the future of education. With the addition of my continuous battle against cancer, my mental plate is entirely full. Money should not be the source of my anxiety, but it is certainly a contributing factor. My goal is to raise enough money to help cover the expenses of chemotherapy, surgeries, travel/lodging, school loans, and possible fertility/family treatments. My cancer journey is far from over, but with your help, I will be able to continue fighting.
Katie and her rockstar husband, Matt, on their big day.
Katie and I on my special day.
You can also check out her gofundme @ https://gofund.me/e6dd7f4
