Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to visit our GoFundMe page. I'd like to share with you the story of Katie Kersh, a vibrant 35-year-old with a whole life ahead of her who recently received a life-altering diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Katie now faces a challenging journey ahead as she battles this horrific disease.

In October 2023, Katie's life took an unexpected turn when an abnormal result on a routine exam led to the discovery of ovarian cancer. The statistics from the American Cancer Society paint a stark reality: in 2023, approximately 19,710 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed, making it the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women. Ovarian cancer is particularly insidious, lacking effective screening or testing methods for early detection. This silent danger often goes unnoticed, with over 75% of affected women diagnosed at an advanced stage due to the asymptomatic nature of early-stage disease.

Katie's journey began with symptoms like weight loss, pelvic pain, and frequent urination, symptoms that were initially confused or dismissed by other conditions like IBS or depression. Despite a second test coming back normal, Katie's gynecologist thankfully ordered an ultrasound, revealing a mass on her ovary and other areas of concern throughout her body. A subsequent biopsy confirmed the presence of metastatic low-grade serous carcinoma, an epithelial ovarian cancer that has impacted the bladder, omentum, and lymph nodes.

Katie's treatment journey, starting with several rounds of chemotherapy, is scheduled to begin on November 21. The road ahead involves ongoing assessments of treatment effectiveness, potential additional rounds of chemotherapy, and a major hysterectomy aimed at reducing the likelihood of recurrence—a significant concern in ovarian cancer cases.

This battle brings not only emotional strains but also substantial financial burdens. Katie, a single woman on one income, faces an extended period out of work due to treatment and surgery, with medical bills rapidly accumulating alongside regular expenses.

The emotional toll on Katie and her loved ones is profound, marked by fear, worry, and stress. Yet, amidst the challenges, Katie finds moments of laughter with her sisters and friends, a testament to her strength and resilience.

To support Katie on this journey, we have set an initial fundraising goal of $15,000. These funds will directly contribute to medical bills, medications, expenses related to chemotherapy treatments, and daily living costs that have become an added burden.

Your support, regardless of the amount, will make a meaningful difference in Katie's fight against ovarian cancer. Please consider donating and sharing this campaign within your network to help us reach a wider audience. Your generosity will not only provide financial relief but also send a powerful message of solidarity and hope.

Thank you for joining in this effort to support Katie on her journey to healing.

With gratitude,

Mary Grace Bonner