I’m sharing Kate’s story because she shouldn’t have to carry this alone anymore. As her best friend of over 20 years, I recently watched her face unimaginable pain with strength and grace but now, she needs our help.

In February, Kate’s life changed without warning. She began experiencing debilitating pain and quickly sought medical care. Doctors initially diagnosed her condition and reassured her that it would be easily resolved, but Kate’s intuition and extensive research led her to question the diagnosis. She began advocating relentlessly for herself and requested a full review of her medical file, a decision that changed everything.

The review revealed her suffering was caused by a far more complex condition. The review also brought another devastating diagnosis: cancer.

For nearly a year, she has been in and out of hospitals and clinics for exams, biopsies, surgeries, and recovery periods. Each time she tried to move forward, another hurdle appeared.

Kate was forced to terminate active projects and suspend all future work. As a deeply committed, self-employed business owner, this was devastating both emotionally and financially. To ensure accurate diagnoses and avoid further oversights, she pursued private medical care where possible, all out of pocket. Only after stepping away from work did she learn she was not eligible for EI, and that disability benefits have a minimum 140-day processing period.

Through it all, Kate has remained herself: hilarious, thoughtful, generous, and deeply supportive of others, even while navigating pain, uncertainty, and fear. Fiercely independent by nature, she has finally agreed to accept help.

Recently, Kate received the news we had been praying for: the treatments were successful, and SHE IS NOW CANCER FREE.

This fundraiser is not about long-term support or lifestyle expenses. It is intended to help ease the financial strain created by an abrupt but necessary pause in income.

After a year surviving what she never expected to face, let’s come together as a community to give Kate the support she deserves as she focuses on fully healing, and preparing for a sustainable return to life and work.