To our family, friends, and community,

We are writing today to share our mother Kristin’s story and to ask for your support as she faces the most difficult battle of her life—Stage 4 metastatic osteosarcoma.

Many of you know Kristin as the friendly face behind the bar, someone who always took the time to listen, offer encouragement, and be there when others needed her most. Over the years, she became more than a familiar face; she became a trusted friend to many. To our family, however, she is so much more—a devoted mother, loving grandmother, cherished daughter, and an incredible source of strength, love, and support.

In late July of last year, Kristin began experiencing severe pain in her lower leg. Despite seeking medical attention from multiple providers, her symptoms were repeatedly attributed to other conditions, delaying her diagnosis for nearly eight months. After countless doctor appointments, scans, and tests, we finally learned the cause of her pain.

Doctors confirmed that Kristin had Stage 3B osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer. After discussing treatment options, her medical team explained that saving her leg would require a complex limb-salvage procedure involving extensive reconstruction. Without a successful reconstruction, amputation would have been necessary.

Determined to preserve her mobility, Kristin underwent an extensive eight-hour surgery. During the procedure, surgeons removed her femur as well as portions of her tibia and fibula, reconstructing her knee and replacing the affected bones with mega prosthesis. Thankfully, they were able to remove the visible tumors; however, due to the aggressive nature of the disease, chemotherapy remains essential to target any remaining cancer cells that may not be detectable through imaging.

Unfortunately, we have since learned that her cancer has spread to her lungs. As a result, Kristin is now facing Stage 4 metastatic osteosarcoma that has spread to her lungs. She is currently undergoing intensive treatment that includes multiple inpatient chemotherapy admissions, lengthy hospital stays, frequent specialist appointments, ongoing testing, and physical therapy. The road ahead will be long, demanding, and uncertain.

Because of her condition and the physical limitations caused by both the cancer and surgery, Kristin has been forced to stop working. She was no longer able to continue her job as a waitress at CopperTop Tavern due to her inability to walk independently. In her career with the Employee Assistance Program at SUNY Upstate Medical University, she is currently only able to work remotely on a limited part-time basis.

In addition, due to the demands of her treatment and ongoing care, Kristin has had to step away from her home in the Adirondacks—a place that has always been deeply special to her. The loss of being able to return there regularly has been especially heartbreaking for her and our family, as it represents a place of peace, comfort, and cherished memories that she is now unable to fully enjoy.

As many know, cancer treatment comes with significant financial challenges. Over the next six months and beyond, Kristin will undergo multiple rounds of chemotherapy, rehabilitation, follow-up procedures, and ongoing medical care. The costs associated with treatment, travel, lost income, and daily living expenses continue to grow.

Once chemotherapy is complete, doctors will evaluate the next steps in her treatment and recovery. Even under the best circumstances, recovery is expected to take at least a year, followed by years of monitoring and follow-up care.

Kristin has spent her life helping others, offering kindness, support, and friendship to everyone around her. Today, we are asking for help on her behalf. Any support—whether through donations, sharing her story, prayers, or words of encouragement—will make a meaningful difference as she continues this fight. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help ease the financial burden and allow Kristin to focus on what matters most: healing, spending time with loved ones, and fighting cancer with strength and hope.

Thank you for taking the time to read Kristin’s story and for standing beside our family during this difficult journey. Your compassion, generosity, and support mean more than words can express.

With gratitude,

Kristin’s Family