Hi! It's me, Katie, your favorite beach girl, music lover, SUP surfer and sprint race queen, fisherman, friend, daughter, neighbor, coworker, acquaintance, and maybe even stranger.

In late November, I underwent a radical full hysterectomy, abdominal dissection, and lymphadenectomy. Pathology results showed cervical cancer and CIN2 and CIN3.

I am on bed rest for at least another 4-6 weeks, possibly longer. I am unable to drive and/or work for at least that long as well.

Almost 2 years ago, I lost my corporate job due to layoffs after acquisitions and have been challenged landing a new corporate role. Since then, I've piecemealed income with odds and ends jobs while trying to get a marketing consulting business back off the ground.

But it hasn't been enough to cover the bills, and I have been drawing off savings to cover the difference.

My surgery alone is about $14k, and because I switched to marketplace insurance in September, I have to meet my deductible before insurance kicks in, and then I start over Jan 1 with having to meet my high deductible.

I face at least 1 more procedure/surgery, possibly 2 or 3, and will find out if I have to start chemo/radiation and/or immunotherapy in mid- to late-January after my next procedure.

I also have an autoimmune disease, which is costly to manage with various medications that literally keep me alive ($16k per month, $300 p/month copay).

My insurance premiums for 2023 went up (like everyone else's) more than 4x.

To say this journey has been challenging is an understatement. While my support circle is large both near and far, there are daily tasks that I need help with. And not being able to work (and no disability or vacation as an independent contractor), it's been challenging to cover day-to-day expenses, including medical bills and trips to/from doctor appointments.

I would be grateful for any gift you can share; it would go straight to my medical and daily living costs. And I will say a prayer every day in your honor for your generosity.

You can follow along with my journey on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/katiebroberts

This journey has been very humbling, testing my ability to ask and accept help - I am fiercely independent, and it has challenged my vulnerability in ways I never thought I would publicly.

Much love to those who can help, even if all you have to give is a kind word or prayer. ✨️