Help Cate Fight Stage II Breast Cancer

Hi, my name is Cate, and I recently received news no one ever wants to hear — I’ve been diagnosed with Stage II (2A–2B) Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), a form of breast cancer that has already spread to my lymph nodes.

As many of my friends and family already know, I’m currently undergoing treatment for a cavernoma (also called a cavernous hemangioma) — a rare vascular tumor located in my meninges that has spread to my temporal lobe and wrapped around my brainstem. It’s also the cause of my epilepsy.

My doctors have made it clear that my breast cancer is completely unrelated to my brain tumor or epilepsy. The cancer began in my milk duct and has metastasized to at least three of my lymph nodes.

I first noticed a small, pea-sized lump in my armpit, which I thought might be a cyst or abscess. After further imaging, they found a much larger lump in my right breast — and biopsy results confirmed Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.

Because the cancer has already spread to nearby lymph nodes, I’m scheduled for a lumpectomy on November 18th at 10 AM, followed by additional treatments that may include radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and eventually a mastectomy depending on the post-surgery results.

This diagnosis has added another huge weight on top of my existing medical challenges, and I’m doing everything I can to stay strong for my children while preparing for recovery and treatment.

I’m raising funds to help cover:

• Medical copays and treatment expenses

• Transportation to and from surgeries, follow-ups, and therapy appointments

• Basic living costs while I take time off to heal and focus on recovery

If you’re able to contribute, share, or simply send a few kind words — it means the world to me. Every bit of support brings me closer to completing treatment and being here, healthy and present, for my kids.

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A Personal Reminder

I want to stress how important it is to pay attention to your body. If something doesn’t seem right, go get checked — do not wait. I ignored symptoms for months, and it could have cost me my life.

I also have a friend who just beat Stage III IDC, and while IDC is the most common form of breast cancer, it can move quickly. Please, get your mammograms, perform regular at-home breast checks, and listen to your body. You matter, and you only get one life — take care of yourselves.

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Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing with me through this.

— Cate

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Direct Aid Option:

If you’d prefer to help directly, that’s also deeply appreciated — it ensures the funds reach me immediately instead of waiting several days for GoFundMe’s processing.

Venmo: @cateshmoney16

Cash App: $cateshmoney22