Kate is a 34 year old, very talented Artist and Designer. Until recently, her life was full of work, creativity, travel, people she loves and beautiful plans for the future. Then within a matter of weeks everything changed.

Pathology results brought news none of us were prepared for: at the beginning of August Kate was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian carcinosarcoma — a rare, extremely aggressive form of ovarian cancer that is life-threatening and requires urgent, intensive treatment.

My name is Antonia, and I’m starting this fundraiser for my best friend Kate, together with her partner Ian and Kates family.

It’s incredibly difficult to put into words what the past few months have been like for someone we love so deeply.

It started with pain. This didn’t seem like something that could turn her life upside down. In June while living in Croatia doctors discovered a tumour on her right ovary. She underwent emergency surgery during which the tumour and her ovary were removed.

Four weeks after surgery, Kate returned to hospital once again with severe pain. Scans showed that the cancer had already returned and was growing rapidly.

After receiving the devastating diagnosis that Kate has stage 4 ovarian carcinosarcoma, we felt we had no choice but to bring her to Munich, Germany, to seek specialist oncological care at the TUM, one of the world’s leading centres for cancer care and research.

On 26 August, Kate began chemotherapy. Six cycles are currently planned, with scans along the way to monitor how the cancer is responding to treatment.

Everything happened unbelievably fast. There was no time to prepare emotionally, physically, or financially.

It is not possible for Kate to have German health insurance to cover the cost of her care. The expenses are enormous and growing on a daily basis— chemotherapy, scans, specialist care, medication, and everything that comes with suddenly relocating your life for treatment. This is why Ian, Kate’s family and I are asking for your help.

Anyone who knows Kate knows how much life and light there is in her — an incredible strength, warmth and love for the people around her. Even now, through the hardest time of her life, that light is still there, and so is her determination to fight for her future.

How you can help

Donate — every amount, no matter the size, goes toward Kate’s treatment and related medical expenses.

Share — if you can’t donate, sharing her story can make an enormous difference.

Connect — if you know someone who could help amplify Kate’s story or support her care, please reach out.

As Kate is currently unable to receive GoFundMe payouts directly, I am organising this fundraiser and will receive the donations on her behalf. All funds will be transferred or used directly for her treatment and related medical expenses. We will post updates here as her treatment progresses.

If we raise more money than is needed for Kate’s treatment and care, we would like to donate the remaining funds to two organisations: The German Ovarian Cancer Foundation and Ovarian Cancer Action UK. Our hope is by doing so, we can help other women and families who are facing the devastating reality of cancer.

Thank you for reading Kate’s story, for sharing it, and for helping someone we love so much fight for her future.

With love,

Antonia, Ian & Kate’s family