Help Kat and Steve Through This Unimaginable Journey

Help Kat and Steve Through an Unimaginable Journey

Hi, my name is Katie, and I’m Kat’s niece. I’ve had the privilege of living with her here in Utah for over a year while she’s been undergoing cancer treatment at Huntsman Cancer Institute—far from her home in Georgia. Kat is one of the kindest souls I know—truly a ray of sunshine in every room she enters.

We’re setting up this GoFundMe to support Kat and her husband, Steve, during what can only be described as a devastating time.

‍ ‍ Who Kat and Steve Are

For those who don’t know Kat and Steve personally, let me share a bit about who they are.

Kat was born in California and has lived in Connecticut, Illinois, and Utah. She now lives with Steve on their beloved 12-acre Georgia farm. She has one of the biggest hearts you’ll ever encounter—always ready to help, comfort, or simply listen.

Steve was born in Virginia and raised as a military kid. After graduating high school in Hawaii, he joined the Navy, serving five years of active duty and another seven in the Reserves. He and Kat share a deep love for animals—they care for four dogs, one cat, four cows, two donkeys, and even a resident gator in their pond.

Together, they’re parents to three wonderful kids—Steve’s children from a prior marriage—who Kat has embraced with open arms. Though she wasn’t able to have children of her own due to cancer, she has poured her love into being a devoted "bonus mom," and a deeply affectionate aunt. She remembers every birthday and makes each niece, nephew, and great-niece or nephew feel truly seen and loved.

Kat and Steve have also been active in the Harley Davidson community, participating in group rides and charity events for fallen firefighters, police officers, and veterans. Since Kat’s diagnosis with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, she has made it a point to support others navigating similar challenges—offering encouragement and compassion to people she’s never even met.

Kat’s Health Journey

Kat has Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that makes her highly vulnerable to multiple types of cancer. At just 24, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. By 37, she had battled malignant melanoma and two unrelated lung cancers—despite being a lifelong non-smoker. Then, in May 2024, she began fighting osteosarcoma of the jaw.

She endured months of intense chemotherapy followed by a major surgery to replace her jaw with part of her fibula (lower leg bone). In June 2025, the cancer returned—now spreading aggressively to the other side of her jaw and into surrounding soft tissue.

Over the past few weeks, Kat and Steve have met with countless specialists—oncologists, surgeons, radiation doctors, genetic counselors. The consensus: the cancer is terminal, and options are limited.

️ ️Options, In Kat’s Own Words

*“They believe that the most aggressive chemo and radiation might slow it down—maybe give me a little more time. Originally, they said six treatments if I could survive them. They didn’t sound very hopeful. The side effects could be brutal, and I’d likely get more cancers.

If I do nothing, they say I have months left to live. Not the news we wanted, but it’s the news we got. I’m just trying to enjoy each day I have.

I haven’t decided what I want to do yet as far as treatment. It’s a lot to think about.”*

Whatever Kat chooses, we ask that you honor her decision. This is a deeply personal journey, and only Kat truly knows what she has endured. We also kindly ask that you refrain from offering suggestions for alternative treatments—though well-meaning, these messages can be overwhelming during such a vulnerable time. Her choices will be made with love, courage, and the same honesty and grace that have defined her life.

A Community That’s Already Shown Up

Kat and Steve have been blessed with an incredible support system. Over the past year, friends and family have stepped up in extraordinary ways—helping cover flights between Georgia and Utah, caring for their farm animals, driving Kat to appointments, sitting with her through treatments, and showing up again and again in quiet, loving ways.

An earlier GoFundMe from last year raised $8,000, which helped with early medical and travel expenses. But the costs have continued to grow. Their annual insurance deductible alone is $9,200, and each round-trip flight for Steve to be with Kat costs around $850. Even with past support, these expenses quickly add up.

Now, with a terminal diagnosis, the financial burden is growing—especially as Steve prepares to take unpaid time off to be with Kat during her final weeks and months.

We share this not only to be transparent, but to express sincere appreciation. Your support has meant the world—and every additional gift now will help them focus on what truly matters: time, love, and peace.

How Your Donation Will Help

We’ve set a goal of $31,480—a carefully considered estimate based on Kat and Steve’s real and anticipated needs.

Your support will help with:

* Medical and palliative care costs not fully covered by insurance

* Lost income, as Steve takes unpaid leave to be by Kat’s side

* Mortgage and essential living expenses during this time

* Small, meaningful moments together, while Kat is still well enough to enjoy them

This goal also includes a modest buffer for the unexpected costs that often arise in end-of-life care.

If we’re fortunate enough to exceed this goal, additional funds will support Steve in the months following Kat’s passing and help honor her legacy in meaningful ways.

Every contribution—large or small—makes a difference.

Additionally, if you prefer, you can donate via Venmo.

Here is Kat’s Venmo: @ohkatcrews

Thank you for helping lift this burden so they can focus on what matters most.

With love and gratitude,

Katie

️ ️In Kat’s words:

“Don’t take any days for granted. I love you all so much.”