In Loving Memory of Kathy Ivie

As many of you know, our dear friend Kathy Ivie was diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma a little over 8 years ago.  Early in November of 2020, she learned that her cancer had metastasized to her liver.  She was invited to participate in a clinical study in Memphis where her OM was treated.  Kathy and Joseph have traveled back and forth numerous times from Memphis in hopes of buying time for Kathy and possibly finding a cure for this aggressive cancer.  As anyone who has met Kathy would expect, she has displayed an ardent commitment to her treatment and continues to have faith in the Lord.  Unfortunately, on her last trip for treatment, Joseph and Kathy were burdened with the news that the treatment was not working.  Kathy has endured bland embolization, radiation, and Y90 treatments with tenacity, courage, and her trademark sense of humor.  All treatments have been stopped and Kathy is at home with Joseph and her sweet Elizabeth Grace at her side supporting her through every step of this journey.  Their love and care bring Kathy immeasurable joy!

Kathy’s strong sense of duty to the Lord, her family, friends, and students has never wavered.  She continued teaching and loving her Apollo babies even when no one else could believe that she was still going Ivie Strong! Kathy is the embodiment of what we all should strive for – a woman of great faith, integrity, loving wife, and mother. 

Joseph and Kathy have been married for 27 years. They started dating in November of 1991 and married on December 18, 1993.  They are true soulmates in every sense of the word.  In addition to being a successful educator, what is most notable about Kathy’s work life is the commitment she shows to those who work alongside her.  Undoubtedly, there will be a tremendous void without her fun-loving presence as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, teammate, and colleague. The sun will be a little less bright when Kathy’s soul has left this earth.

This has been a tremendous emotional blow to the Ivie family, as well as an unexpected financial burden.  Our hope is that funds raised will be used to help cover medical and travel expenses along with any other expenses incurred from this journey.  We would also like to help in facilitating the transition back to full-time work for our dear friend Joseph.

If you can make a financial donation to help them, we will forever be grateful and Elizabeth Grace will grow up knowing the goodness in others. Every little bit helps.  If you cannot donate, please share their story or share stories with us about other people who challenge traditional boundaries in the fight against cancer. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to read this.

God bless you all.

With Love,

Apollo Elementary Family