Standing With Katie: Help a Lifelong Friend Fight Breast Cancer

For over 36 years, Katie, as I call her, or Kaitlin, to some, has been my best friend — the kind of person who shows up without being asked, gives without hesitation, and puts everyone else first. If you’ve ever needed a hand, a shoulder, or a heart that truly listens, she’s been that person. Now, she needs us.

Katie was recently diagnosed with stage 2 aggressive breast cancer. The words alone are terrifying, and the road ahead will be challenging both physically and emotionally. She will be undergoing aggressive chemotherapy, and while she is facing this fight with courage, the financial burden that comes with treatment is overwhelming.

She is also a devoted mother of five children. Her youngest is still at home, and even with adult children, she continues to be the one they rely on — emotionally, physically, and financially. No matter what, she shows up for her kids when they need her. As she begins this battle, her greatest worry isn’t herself — it’s making sure her children are okay.

As treatment progresses, her paid time off will eventually run out, leaving a gap in income during a time when rest and healing are critical. She will also need a cooling cap (approximately $2,000) during chemotherapy — an important option that can help reduce hair loss, which may seem small to some but is deeply meaningful to her sense of self during this battle. Unfortunately, this is not covered by insurance.

In addition, there will be out-of-pocket medical expenses, medications, and transportation costs for rides to and from chemotherapy appointments when I’m unable to take her myself. Every appointment, every treatment, every mile adds up.

This GoFundMe is about easing that burden so she can focus on what truly matters: healing, fighting, and surviving.

If you know Katie, you know how hard it is for her to ask for help. She’s always been the giver — the one who shows up, the one who says “I’ve got you.” This is our chance to say we’ve got you.

Any donation, no matter the size, will make a difference. And if you’re unable to give, sharing this page means more than you know.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting someone who has spent her life supporting others.

Together, we can help her face this fight with strength, dignity, and hope.