Hi. My name is Kathie Stora. I have known Kim Drace Bumgardner my entire life. We grew up together in Seaford, Delaware, and our families have always been close. She is a sister to me, a best friend, and my family.

Two years ago, Kim was diagnosed with breast cancer. She, Rusty, Bella and Aiden fought like hell. She was in remission up until a month ago when she and her family learned she has stage IV metastatic breast cancer. She had been to the doctor in March and everything was all clear. All her labs looked good. She felt good except for a little tiny back pain from when she volunteered helping western North Carolina recover from the hurricane. In June, she went back to the doctor, not feeling well, and all her labs looked different. Her scans and that back pain showed what has now been diagnosed, and she and her family are now living with stage IV metastatic breast cancer.

Medicine has changed fast in the last decade, and we are all learning that Kim can live a long life with treatment for this type of cancer. There is no doubt Kim will beat anything that has ever been put in front of her as an obstacle. She is the most determined, independent, self-motivated human being I have ever met. She takes no shit, and yes, we’re talking to you, Cancer.

Kim needs time to get started on her treatments and to help heal her body. She has taken a sabbatical from work to deal with everything that is on her plate right now. I’m hoping to raise enough money to help her and her family with medical bills, and to lighten the burden of not working. And, to give all of us a place where we can feel like we can lend a hand and help. Please consider donating.