Support for Kate & Family

**UPDATE** 8/9/22

Although Kate's radiation and chemo treatments worked beautifully against the tumors initially found in her head/neck, after a recent follow-up PET scan, her doctors found that cancer had spread to her lungs with too many masses to count. As a result, Kate's oncologist gave her and Mike the devasting news that her cancer is now considered terminal. To say the least, they are completely heartbroken, along with family & friends.

Kate is one of the strongest people I know and is in fight-mode. She is currently awaiting results from a biopsy for the cancer found in her lungs and has started a new and very intense chemo infusion. She remains hopeful as she searches for trials and experimental drugs to help fight the cancer.

We need to come together and rally behind this amazing family as they prepare for the fight of their lives. They need our help and support more than ever! Please consider donating anything you can to help relieve some of the burden of the crippling medical expenses they've taken on...every little bit helps!

With gratitude,

Nicole

For those of you who don't know already, our dear friend Kate has had her world turned upside down these past few months and has been in an incredible amount of pain every day. Starting in September with an ear infection that persisted for weeks despite many antibiotics, Kate was seen by several Ear, Nose & Throat doctors who were not any more helpful, saying it was TMJ and prescribed her a soft diet and Advil. Beyond frustrated at this point and losing a lot of sleep due to the persistent pain, she was at a loss as to where to turn.

On December 2nd, the pain became unbearable as it increased from constant throbbing to sharp, shooting pain & by morning, had partial paralysis on the left side of her face. She made another appointment with an ENT on the 8th (the soonest they could get her in) and within minutes of seeing the doctor, she was sent to the emergency room. Although relieved that someone finally believed her and that she was going to get the help she needed, it was short lived, as she was administered a CT scan that found a mass.

Kate was admitted to the hospital where many more CT scans and MRI's were given (as well as a transfer to a different hospital) and it was found that the mass was 3.3x2x2.4 cm and pressing on nerves, her ear, jaw bone, as well as her carotid artery which resulted in a blood clot. On Wednesday the 15th, a CT guided biopsy was performed to determine what type of mass it was.

Thrilled to finally be able to leave the hospital after eight days (with a whole lot of pain medication and blood thinners for the blood clot) and be at home with her family as they waited on the results of the biopsy, news finally arrived on the 28th and the doctors have found that it is actually two different masses. The initial mass being a paramorphic adenoma was found to thankfully be benign! An appointment is scheduled for January 10th with the surgeon to discuss the removal of both masses.

Kate & Mike need our help as insurance isn't going to pay for most of her stay in the hospital and the medical bills are already astronomical. They are in the process of contesting it, but know that there will be more bills coming in as she gets treatment.

While some have asked to send their support through Go Fund Me, if you prefer to send donations through Venmo, Kate's personal Venmo is: @Kate-Showalter

Thank you all so much for your support!

-Nicole Westervelt