Please Help! Katelyn has cancer!

This is a photo of my 20 year-old daughter, Katelyn (Katt) who was just diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma on October 18th. The thyroid cancer spread to her lymph nodes and is a 5.2 cm solid mass. Katelyn is scheduled for surgery on November 15th to remove her thyroid and multiple lymph nodes. She will also undergo a full body scan to determine if the cancer has spread. After surgery, she will begin a radiation process – the duration will depend on the results of her body scan.

 Unfortunately, this is a reoccurring form of cancer that Katelyn will have to manage over her lifetime. She will need to have ongoing treatment for her hyperthyroid state, with counseling for hyperthyroidism symptoms of nervousness, insomnia, anxiety, and heat intolerance, to name just a few.

 We desperately need your help! In addition to trying to wrap our heads around this devastating prognosis, we found out that disability is only going to cover Katelyn’s immediate bills. Costs for food, gas, medical bills, and personal items will not be covered. Katelyn has a long road of treatment and recovery ahead of her. It will be challenging enough just to deal with her health issues. Having the stress of trying to figure out how to pay for living expenses makes this even more difficult.

 We are reaching out in the hopes of getting help with Katelyn’s living expenses for the next year (or more) so we can focus on helping her heal and learn how to cope with her condition. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who can contribute to help Katelyn get through this difficult time. We are grateful for your support and well wishes. Please help our baby! Thank you.