Hi, I’m Kat, a longtime Los Angeles small-business advocate and Highland Park local who loves artists, cats, traveling, underdogs, and hot dogs. I’m facing surgery soon to remove a mysteriously fast-growing tumor (PASH) in my right breast and conduct reconstructive work to get it back to the shape you all know and love ❤. Insurance helps, but I’m still on the hook for anywhere between $5k and $8k between the procedure, recovery gear, and incidentals while I heal.

If you can donate and/or share this page, I'd be deeply grateful. The past year I've been working overtime, fully invested and committed to my purpose-driven startup. Things were smooth for a while, but tariffs hit us hard and we lost several key clients, and therefore, our income. The funds simply aren't there to cover these unexpected costs.

HOW WE GOT HERE

I first found a lump in 2022. The biopsy back then said it was benign, so I moved on and tried not to overthink it. Fast forward to 2025, and suddenly the lump doubled in size for no explanation. After some classic insurance red tape and a stint with a truly nightmare doctor’s office (which shall remain nameless but deserves a Yelp exposé), I finally switched to Keck USC Medicine and it's made all the difference. I actually feel seen, heard, and taken care of.

The surgery will remove the PASH mass and make sure it’s not hiding anything more serious. If all goes well, my reconstructive surgeon will do the LICAP flap procedure to restore shape and I’ll come out of it with a badass scar that I fully plan to name.

Recovery, though, is going to be the real challenge. I’ll be grounded for six weeks — no lifting, no cooking, no running my studio at full speed. Those who know me know I’m not great at sitting still, but I’m trying to do this right: stay comfy, keep stress low, and let my body do its work.

WHAT YOUR SUPPORT COVERS

Medical costs: Anywhere from $5,000 - $8000. But possibly more because… surprise bills are one of America’s favorite pastimes.

Recovery essentials: post-surgery garments, silicone bandages, comfort gear, and little things that make healing easier (and sanity-saving).

I’m keeping a record of all expenses, and anything raised beyond what I actually need/use will go toward a friend’s charity that supports battered women rebuilding their lives. I’ll share more details about this in future updates!

OUTLOOK

I’m unbelievably lucky to have the community I do. My friends and family have already shown up in a hundred small ways, and I’m beyond grateful. This isn’t how I planned to spend this season, but it’s a reminder of how strong I am and how much stronger I get when I let people help (not the easiest lesson for me!).

Every donation, share, or kind word makes a difference.

Thank you for being part of my village and helping me heal with grace.