My darling cousin Kate was diagnosed on New Year's Eve of 2015 with breast cancer. Invasive ductal carcinoma. She's a nurse, wife, mother to a toddler, and only 34 years old! Since that day her life has drastically changed. Preliminary imaging and biopsies revealed a stage 2 diagnosis. On February 4th, Kate underwent an extensive 5 hour surgery. Her lymph nodes were clear other than 2 spots. We thought this was behind her. However, the doctor recommended further testing on the tumor to determine the risk of reoccurrence. The results were not what we had hoped for. They recommended chemo. Fortunately, it's 4 rou

nds which take about 12 weeks. As you can imagine, this second blow was devasting to Kate and family. Going through chemo makes you sick, look sick, and makes you lose your hair. Kate will her hair including eyebrows and eyelashes. There are ways that let you keep your hair. The good news is that the FDA recently approved a product called Cold Caps which are used before, during, and after chemo infusions. The product is frozen to -32 degrees, and essentially helps prevent chemo-related hair loss by restricting blood flow to the scalp. The bad news is that it's expensive, and not covered by insurance. (Also requires 80lbs of dry ice to be purchased before each treatment.) But it's totally worth it if Kate can keep her hair and some normalcy for her toddler daughter who will inevitably have very many questions. We think $2,500 will cover the rental cost and cost of ice. Gofund me contributions will be used to fund Kate's Cap. Anything above will be used towards mounting medical bills, childcare, and missing income. Kate is an incredible, mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend. Please help Kate if you can! We thank you so much in advance for reading and your consideration. Go Kate!!


