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Support Kate O’Callaghan Life- Cancer Treatment
We are Kate’s family (her sister, her brother, and her mum) and we are asking for help to extend her life.
Kate (54yrs) is living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that has spread to her liver. While incurable, it can be managed with the right treatment. Histotripsy is a non-invasive ultrasound treatment available abroad. Kate’s first histotripsy successfully destroyed most of her largest liver tumour. She has now been approved for further treatment to address the remaining tumours.
To date we have been able to fund the first treatment (€60k) through family and close friends. Costs are such that it’s beyond our own resources (and insurance) to continue without asking for help. This campaign is to fund access to these life-extending treatments for Kate.
Financial Status
- Total Cost: €150,000 to cover 3 rounds of treatment.
- Raised so far: €60,000 for 1st Treatment August 2025.
- Fundraising Target: €90,000 for 2nd and 3rd treatments.
- Funds will support treatment, travel, accommodation, and essential follow-up care in Japan. These costs are not covered by insurance
Kate’s Medical Journey
2019
- Diagnosed with hormone-driven breast cancer
- Underwent a mastectomy and completed targeted therapy
2023
- Cancer returned and spread to her liver
- Diagnosis: Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer
- While incurable, with effective treatment it can be managed as a chronic condition
August 2025
- Travelled to San Francisco for histotripsy, a non-invasive ultrasound treatment that mechanically destroys liver tumours without surgery, radiation, or heat
- The treatment was successful, destroying most of her largest tumour (approx. 5 cm)
February 2026 (Upcoming)
- Kate has been accepted for a second histotripsy treatment to address remaining tumours
- 3rd treatment likely in July 2026.
More about Kate
Kate is a University lecturer in Japan where she has been living for over 25years. Beyond her work in education, Kate has spent years quietly rescuing animals and fundraising for organisations like Doggies Inc., giving abandoned and neglected animals a second chance at life.
After Japan’s 2011 tsunami, she volunteered in Fukushima’s exclusion zone, helping recover, foster, and reunite pets left behind by evacuated families bringing comfort where there was devastation. You can hear more about it here.
Now a full-time artist, Kate continues to inspire. She recently won Best Newcomer and the Critics’ Award at the Taborou Summer Exhibition at the National Art Centre in Roppongi. By her side is her devoted partner, Jesús.
Cancer has taken a toll on her body, but never her heart. Kate has spent her life protecting those without a voice. Now she needs that same kindness returned.
Future Outlook
Histotripsy is a relatively new procedure with slightly over 2,000 patients worldwide having had one. While the data set is small, there have been very positive quality of life outcomes for patients. Each procedure is unique however, it is already evident that the liver in particular responds well to the procedure and that it helps manage any tumour growth. This would obviously be a marvellous outcome for Kate.
If you can, please donate or share her story. Every act of support helps give Kate more time and hope.
With heartfelt gratitude
Kate’s loving family
Joan, James & Jill