Catherine's Battle

On November 24, 2021, a day before Thanksgiving, Catherine was diagnosed with breast cancer-invasive ductal carcinoma.

She is a loving wife to a wonderful man, Joseph Ndungu Karanja and a wonderful mother of 2 beautiful children, Nalani Ndungu (4yo) and Nickari Ndungu (2yo). She is also a caring and passionate individual who makes a difference in the lives of others as a nurse.

Catherine battled Hyperemesis Gravidarum through both pregnancies, forcing her to take time away from work with the plan to return once her son turned one. While breastfeeding her son, she discovered a lump in her left breast and imagined it to be a blocked milk duct. Thinking it would dissipate on its own, she continued to breastfeed her son Nickari and sought medical advice where testing revealed something much worse; Breast cancer.

Thanksgiving 2021 was a rollercoaster of emotions. She sought a second opinion at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and they confirmed the diagnosis. They recommended chemotherapy as soon as possible, followed by a double mastectomy. Catherine started Chemotherapy in Dec 2021, 2 days before Christmas. Chemo was very tough on her body, and she went through many changes and side effects that carry on till today. Once the chemotherapy was completed, she went in for a double mastectomy to ensure the cancer would not have a chance of resurging.

After surgery, Catherine underwent five weeks of daily radiation with physical therapy. While undergoing radiation, she also started targeted therapy, which is part chemo and part immunotherapy; this treatment helps clear residual cancer. This different kind of chemotherapy will continue until next year. Another part of Catherine's treatment is daily oral medication for the next 5 yrs and hormonal injections every three months for the next 5yrs. To tie it all up, she is also scheduled for reconstructive surgery next year.

Throughout Catherine's difficult pregnancy and cancer journey, her husband has been the primary breadwinner and caretaker. Throughout these challenging times, they have seen the Hand of God as they have navigated doctor’s visits, ambulatory emergencies, and side effects of medical interventions. They have also experienced tremendous support from loved ones and are eternally grateful.

The effects of this past year have not only taken a physical toll but also a mental and undoubtedly a financial one as well. Some hospital bills remain unpaid by insurance, fuel costs and household bills, not to forget their children’s upkeep. Family and Friends, it has not been easy, and they request help to ease this load. Every bit helps, and they are forever grateful for any financial relief.

Catherine is a warrior fighting with the courage and bravery we all know she has. If you are looking for a way to lighten her load, please consider donating financially to lessen her worries. Consider also sharing the Go Fund Me and story with others.

From the Ndungu's

"We thank you for every thought and every prayer and ask God to bless you abundantly. This has been a trying time for us. However, we also appreciate that we are experiencing a tough economic climate. We greatly appreciate your sowing into our family and lightening our load. It means a lot!"