Support for The Baxley Family

On January 10, 2023, our friend, Katie Baxley, received the life changing diagnosis of stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer). Katie was 33 at the time and her diagnosis has since been upgraded to stage 3.

She began chemotherapy on February 17th and the treatment was completed on July 14th. On September 1st, Katie underwent a bilateral masectomy and oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries). Although her surgeon originally believed her to be cancer free after the surgery, they later learned that there was cancer present in her lymph nodes as well. She is scheduled for a lymph node removal surgery on October 24th. Dependent upon her recovery from that surgery, she will begin radiation in December for 25 sessions.

To prevent a recurrence, she will be on medication for 10 years. The current plan includes breast reconstruction surgery in the summer of 2024.

During this time, Katie's husband, Blake, was unexpectedly let go from his job on June 28 during a round of company layoffs. Blake is a software engineer and the software industry job market is currently challenging, with few opportunities available. His severance pay ended in August.

The family's insurance coverage is currently under Cobra, costing them $2,690 per month. This is just one of the necessary expenses that they incur monthly.

To know Katie is to know a truly humble, giving and supportive friend and woman. She continues to bravely face her diagnosis and treatment, showing herself as a strong warrior. Katie and Blake live in Novato, California with their four children: Gavin, Nick, Lincoln and Gwen. Their children are a source of joy in their lives and are processing the changes to their family each in their unique, individual ways. The Baxleys truly appreciate your support for their family during this time. Their community continues to surround and uplift them. Together we can help ease some of their stress during this difficult time.

You can follow along with Katie's cancer journey on her instagram account - katiescancerjourney.