The Fight for Kathy

A week before Christmas Kathy (Larimore) was diagnosed with an aggressive Stage IV lung cancer. After getting results from imaging, we learned it spread throughout her body, including her spine. The pain was debilitating and her care team immediately started her on high dose radiation to –hopefully– provide her with relief. It seemed to be helping, but the days ahead would prove she still had a long battle in front of her.

Fast forward to January 6th, she was taken by ambulance to the ER because she was struggling to breathe – her oxygen levels at admission to the hospital were as high as the tank would allow. Initially it was believed her lungs were full of fluid, however the doctors provided an update much more grim: The tumor was so large there was nothing more they could do for her. They suggested we move her to hospice to make her as comfortable as possible.

In spite of that, her breathing improved over the next two days and her oxygen assistance was cut in half. She got well enough that the doctor (for the first time in her 25-year career) cancelled the hospice order. We were so close to sending her to hospice that the gurney to take her to the facility arrived to pick her up before they could tell it not to come!

She was discharged from the hospital two days later.

Her fight continues as you're reading this. The high dose radiation and chemotherapy are physically and emotionally demanding treatments and as you can imagine the unexpected financial strain only adds to it. 

Steve and Kathy have worked hard their entire lives and have always done what it takes to make ends meet. Kathy is uninsured and hasn't been able to work in over a month, and Steve has been by her side every step of the way, unfortunately using up all of  his paid time off. 

This is where we are asking for help from all of you.

Your financial support would be used for:

• Medical bills for past and ongoing care.

• Prescription medications including immunotherapies, pain management, and chemotherapy.

• Ensuring Steve doesn't have to choose between being a caregiver and work.

• In the event she succumbs to her cancer, potential end of life expenses.

We appreciate anything you can give, including all of the thoughts, prayers and well wishes. 

Kathy is a fighter! I’ll be sure to keep you all updated so you can follow along with her fight and cheer her on!