In April 2016, much to the surprise of us all, Kathy fell very ill.  Kathy thought it was just a really bad case of the flu.  After a few weeks, when her health worsened instead of improving, she finally went into the hospital.  Much to our devastation, the test results showed a diagnosis of Stage 4 small cell lung cancer.   At that point, her oncologists told us her cancer had spread to distant organs and that it was likely she only had weeks to live.  Kathy could either choose palliative care or she could start an aggressive chemo regimen right away.  Even in her poor health at the time, Kathy showed her true colors - she choose to  FIGHT.  And fight she did.  The chemo knocked her out.  It was beyond rough.  But she persevered.  She did 6 rounds of chemo, followed by 8 weeks of radiation to the brain and lung.  Kathy had to leave her job, go on social security, and begin treatment.  Midway though her treatment, she went to Texas to live with her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters.  Kathy transferred her medical care to MD Anderson, the country’s top cancer hospital, located in Houston.

If you know Kathy, you know she never stops.  She's always been busy with work, family, and friends. She loves to spend her time socializing, playing with her grandchildren, going shopping with her Dad, and playing with her wonderful dog Maddy.  She always does so with a smile and laughter.  

In October, she was given a 'clean' scan.  Kathy was told her cancer was stable, so she returned home to Michigan to be with her family.   Kathy went back to her home to take care of herself.  She did so brilliantly!  She was feeling well and enjoying her time.  She was also looking forward to the holidays.  She returned to Houston in December to spend time with her daughter and family and had a wonderful Christmas.  Kathy also prepared herself for her 3 month post treatment scan which was to happen right after Christmas. Kathy was nervous about the scan but feeling good.  

Unfortunately, for a second time in a row, the scans did not give good news.  The cancer is starting to grow again in her liver.  And instead of returning home to Michigan, Kathy is now staying in Houston with the MD Anderson doctors to ensure her very best treatment.  This particular type of cancer can be extremely resistant to second-line chemotherapy, so Kathy is entering her first clinical trial at the beginning of February. This trial will last for a six month period to attack this cancer.  The clinical trial will incur expenses above and beyond the threshold of her insurance coverage.   

If you know Kathy, she's always the one willing to help anyone in whatever way she could.  She's in the fight of her life  NOW.  Any donation, big or small, will help her battle this aggressive cancer.  She can do it.  We can do it. We appreciate the love and support from our family and friends more than you'll ever know.

We covet your prayers for Kathy above all else.

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

With much love. 
Kathy's family 

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Phillipians 4:13