“Kill the cancer. Kill the cancer,” she says as the new drug drips from the infusion bag, making its way to her port.

Killing the cancer is just one of Pat’s wishes for 2017.

The end of 2016 brought one shock after another. In October, Pat was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive soft-tissue cancer, leiomyosarcoma, stage four. Days later, her front cap broke off, along with much of her front tooth. Then at her second chemo treatment shortly after Thanksgiving, she had a stroke, followed by a mini stroke two weeks later.

She has faced each challenge head-on with tenacity and her characteristic humor—just as she has faced life.

As a single parent, she somehow managed to support three children without missing a single band performance, soccer game, or swim meet. She is her children’s champion.



As Nana, she’s her grandson’s “best buddy.” Her wish to see him grow up drives her forward through chemotherapy and post-stroke therapies. She’s even overhauled her diet to help fight cancer and avoid any other health complications.




Pat’s started a new, targeted chemotherapy—an extremely expensive treatment. Bills have begun rolling in for infusions, doctor’s appointments, speech and physical therapy, and hospital stays—especially tough for someone on a fixed income.

Any money raised will go toward Pat’s medical bills, treatments, and a small portion will go toward helping her daughter continue to care for her as she’s currently on an unpaid leave from work.



Thank you for supporting Pat’s journey back to health.