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Give Back to Katie

Katie DeWeerd Brown is a smart, talented 37 year old Occupational Therapist, mother of 4, and co-founder of a non-profit for individuals with special needs. Katie grew up in Chesterfield County and lived in Goochland County through high school. She is supported spiritually by the Quaker Community and has been a member of Midlothian Friends Meeting since her youth. She is a pediatric Occupational Therapist and Feeding Therapist at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU-Fredericksburg Therapy Center, serving as the primary source of income for her family of 6. She has treated countless patients through her profession, giving of herself and sharing her talents to positively impact so many lives! Her husband, Michael, daughter (17 year old senior in HS), and sons (11 years-5th grade, 9 years-3rd grade, and 2 years) keep her busy! Not only does she manage her ever-changing household and work full-time, Katie co-founded a 501c3 non-profit called STEP VA in 2013. STEP VA’s mission is to empower people with special needs through artistic expression and sensory exploration. Through this non-profit, Katie is able to use her clinical skills combined with her love of theatre to further give back to the community. Her passion has even driven her to utilize her precious vacation days in order to attend and provide hands-on services to participants during summer sessions! Katie has given her heart and soul to her profession and her family. Now it is time to give back to Katie!

In late October 2019, Katie was at work treating her patients when she realized something was very wrong. She had surgery to remove what was thought to be a cyst on her uterus at that time. However, additional testing revealed a diagnosis of cervical cancer (Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma) in November 2019. Additional testing, biopsies, scans, and MRIs were performed in November and December 2019 in preparation for treatment. She began her time off from work on January 13, 2020 and plans to be out of work for 8 weeks while completing 7 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. These treatments will require daily travel to Richmond from her home in Fredericksburg. Katie does have the benefit of short-term disability during treatment. However, this covers only 60% of her regular income and does not include medical coverage which must be paid out-of-pocket during this time. Currently, Michael is a stay-at-home parent to their toddler and works part-time in the evening. However, his ability to work recently has been compromised by Katie’s recent surgeries, testing, and doctor’s appointments.

Katie is one of the hardest working therapists; there are few that can match her enthusiasm and perseverance. She always accepts any challenges that arise with a smile and increased determination. Katie's perspective of real-life stumbling blocks is steadfast. It's just another hurdle to tackle!

All funds donated will be directly linked to Katie and will be used for monthly family expenses, health insurance expenses during time out of work, medical travel expenses, and childcare costs. Katie has given of herself to so many, it is now time to give back to her! Please help Katie go through treatment, rest, and recover without the exhausting burden of financial worry!
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Donations 

  • Michael De Meyer
    • $50 
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Jan Monroe
Organizer
Fredericksburg, VA
Katie DeWeerd-Brown
Beneficiary

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