Fundraising for Katie's Cancer Treatments

Hey there friends, family, and friends who are family! I am reaching out to you on behalf of my favorite sister-friend, Katie Chase.

Many of you are aware that Katie found out a few years ago that she has the cancer-causing BRCA1 gene mutation.  Many of you may not know that she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, ahead of her planned preventative double mastectomy.  I have started this fundraiser on her behalf, as a way to help offset her costs for surgery and recovery. Here are a few words, directly from her:

I just received the news I was hoping would pass over me: I have breast cancer. Thankfully, it was found in the earliest possible stage and, as scary as it is, I am not panicked! I have known that this could be a possibility, as the BRCA1 genetic mutation I have has a 90% chance of causing breast cancer by the age of 40 - I had my 39th birthday this year.  I had already been making plans for a preventative double mastectomy, however, with COVID19, my surgery dates have been pushed back several times. Now that I have diagnosed cancer, it is imperative that I have these surgeries as soon as possible.

I haven't said much about my diagnosis to most because I was awaiting the staging and type of cancer. Now that I have that information, my oncology team and I have a great plan, and I feel confident in their assurance that this was caught early enough that I won't have any complications or spread by the time of my surgeries in the coming months.  

My health insurance covers most of the costs of the procedures I need, but my out of pocket deductible and costs of extra care over the next year will be a burden too great for me to shoulder alone.  After the initial lumpectomy in November, my major surgeries will be done in two phases: Phase 1, the mastectomy & reconstruction, is the most invasive part of this.  It will require me to recover at home with full-time caretakers for 4-6 weeks. Phase 2, more reconstruction and oophorectomy, will occur about 3 months later, and I will be required to stay home another 2-3 weeks. All of this will cause a huge loss of income as I will not be able to work for about 3 months total and, as of right now, my company is too small for medical leave (FMLA) to cover.  I also will not qualify for disability payments because my cancer is in such an early stage. 

I found a one of a kind surgery center (www.breastcenter.com) in New Orleans that specializes in breast cancer & the most beautiful and caring reconstruction process I’ve ever seen. My oncologist and surgeons at the NOLA breast center are gifted and caring, and I don’t know that there is another more talented team available currently. Because they are out of network, my deductible and additional hospital fees of $10,000 are due up front. 

Please know that I'm very hesitant to ask for help - I understand that during COVID, times are hard and we are all feeling less than financially stable. I am asking for your support in any way you can offer. Whether it’s a financial contribution, a mailed or emailed letter of encouragement, a prayer for quick healing, or a phone call to check up on me, I would be eternally grateful.  This is really, very difficult to handle while so far away from many of the people I love. I'm beyond blessed to be surrounded and supported by all of you - your prayers and contributions mean so much to me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!