Help Kathleen Heal
Donation protected
Kathleen's story:
My mom had breast cancer at a relatively early age, and is now a 20+ year survivor. What an incredible woman she is! Despite a family history, I was still shocked to find a hard lump in my breast that seemed to grow on a daily basis. My OB/GYN reassured me that he was 90-95% sure it was a natural part of aging breasts. Wrong! My husband Robert, a nurse, nudged me to get further testing to rule out any scary diagnosis. Well, test results came back with a scary diagnosis. Breast Cancer. How could this happen? I’m young. I’m healthy. I exercise. I love surfing, swimming, and anything aquatic. I love to travel. I eat organic food, mostly vegetarian with some seafood. I’m relaxed with a low stress level. There is a lot of love and joy in my life. But it happened, Cancer got to me…
I have always been a laid-back, go with the flow kind of girl. I have had so many amazing adventures in this life, some spontaneous, some planned, some with friends and family, and some solo adventures with God and nature. Breast cancer was certainly not a planned event, and thankfully one that I have not had to take alone. My husband, family and friends have been there every step of the way. Rob takes time off of work to attend every doctors visit and appointment with me, my parents were here for my double mastectomy, my mom even stayed with us for 6 weeks so Rob could continue working and going to school (he will attain his Master’s degree in December!!!).
Unfortunately, medical bills continue to pile up, and my loss of income has depleted the bank account. I have been out of work as a physical therapist since August due to frequent doctor’s appointments, scans, tests, surgery, and a complicated recovery. Just as I was anticipating a return to work, the Oncologist reported that chemotherapy will be necessary. We were shocked to hear the news but we’re taking it in stride. The future is always uncertain but we did not expect further aggressive adjuvant treatments.
We are positive that we will get the best outcomes and I am excited to overcome this disease. I look forward to fresh starts, new beginnings, and becoming a cancer survivor, to join the ranks of such strong women as my mother. We humbly ask for financial assistance to help with our growing pile of medical bills and basic needs.
Any leftover funds will be donated to other cancer survivors in need. We are so grateful for your love and your gifts. Thank you so very much.
Love
Kathleen and Robert
My mom had breast cancer at a relatively early age, and is now a 20+ year survivor. What an incredible woman she is! Despite a family history, I was still shocked to find a hard lump in my breast that seemed to grow on a daily basis. My OB/GYN reassured me that he was 90-95% sure it was a natural part of aging breasts. Wrong! My husband Robert, a nurse, nudged me to get further testing to rule out any scary diagnosis. Well, test results came back with a scary diagnosis. Breast Cancer. How could this happen? I’m young. I’m healthy. I exercise. I love surfing, swimming, and anything aquatic. I love to travel. I eat organic food, mostly vegetarian with some seafood. I’m relaxed with a low stress level. There is a lot of love and joy in my life. But it happened, Cancer got to me…
I have always been a laid-back, go with the flow kind of girl. I have had so many amazing adventures in this life, some spontaneous, some planned, some with friends and family, and some solo adventures with God and nature. Breast cancer was certainly not a planned event, and thankfully one that I have not had to take alone. My husband, family and friends have been there every step of the way. Rob takes time off of work to attend every doctors visit and appointment with me, my parents were here for my double mastectomy, my mom even stayed with us for 6 weeks so Rob could continue working and going to school (he will attain his Master’s degree in December!!!).
Unfortunately, medical bills continue to pile up, and my loss of income has depleted the bank account. I have been out of work as a physical therapist since August due to frequent doctor’s appointments, scans, tests, surgery, and a complicated recovery. Just as I was anticipating a return to work, the Oncologist reported that chemotherapy will be necessary. We were shocked to hear the news but we’re taking it in stride. The future is always uncertain but we did not expect further aggressive adjuvant treatments.
We are positive that we will get the best outcomes and I am excited to overcome this disease. I look forward to fresh starts, new beginnings, and becoming a cancer survivor, to join the ranks of such strong women as my mother. We humbly ask for financial assistance to help with our growing pile of medical bills and basic needs.
Any leftover funds will be donated to other cancer survivors in need. We are so grateful for your love and your gifts. Thank you so very much.
Love
Kathleen and Robert
Organizer and beneficiary
Indiana Jade
Organizer
Natick, MA
Kathleen Burkland
Beneficiary