My name is Lorenz and my wife, Katie, was recently diagnosed with stage 3 inflammatory breast cancer, and our lives changed overnight.

Katie has already begun treatment and started her first round of chemotherapy on Tuesday, April 7. Her treatment plan is intense and long. She will go through 4 rounds of AC chemotherapy every 2 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of Taxol, then a mastectomy to remove her left breast as well as all of the lymph nodes under her arm and in the area affected by cancer, followed by 8 to 10 weeks of radiation, and then hormone therapy for 5 to 10 years because her cancer is estrogen and progesterone positive.

Katie is strong. She is determined. She is showing up for this fight with courage, faith, and the support of her family, her husband, and her son. We will do everything we can to help her beat this.

But one of the biggest fears hanging over her is the very real risk of lymphedema after surgery.

Because the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, Katie faces an estimated 30% to 45% chance of developing lymphedema after lymph node removal. Lymphedema can become a lifelong condition that causes swelling, pain, heaviness, limited mobility, and ongoing complications that can deeply affect daily life.

There is hope.

At the time of her mastectomy, Katie has one opportunity to undergo a preventative microsurgery called Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction, also known as LYMPHA or lymph venous bypass. This procedure is designed to reduce the risk of lymphedema significantly. We were told it could lower her risk to approximately 7% to 12%.

The heartbreaking part is that insurance does not consider this surgery essential, even though it could make a life-changing difference in Katie’s future quality of life. Because of that, we may have to pay for it fully out of pocket.

We have been told the cost could range from $17,000 to $40,000.

We have about 4 to 5 months to try to make this happen.

At the same time, the financial pressure has already started hitting us hard. Even with insurance, each chemotherapy treatment is costing us around $1,200 out of pocket. Katie was also denied disability, which has made an already difficult situation even harder. Right now we are doing everything we can to keep up with treatment costs, household bills, food, and everyday life while preparing for the next stages of her care. Our parents have been helping with medical expenses, and we are deeply grateful, but this is more than our family can carry alone.

That is why we are asking for help.

This fundraiser is to help cover:

Katie’s preventative lymphedema surgery during mastectomy

Out-of-pocket chemotherapy and cancer treatment costs

Medical bills related to surgery, radiation, and recovery

Basic living expenses while Katie is in treatment

If you are able to donate, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Every amount helps. If you are not in a position to give, please consider sharing Katie’s story. Your support, prayers, and kindness mean more than we can put into words.

We are fighting for more than cancer treatment alone. We are fighting for Katie’s future quality of life, her comfort, her mobility, her hope, and her chance to move forward with as few lifelong complications as possible.

Thank you for standing with Katie and may God bless you.

With love and gratitude,

Lorenz and family