Update!!! March 22, 2019
Kim has kicked Cancers ASS! 100% cancer free!! Please see the update info!

Kim Maduzia Fissette knew something wasn't quite right with her body.  After telling her doctor about her strange symptoms she was diagnosed with stage three Ovarian Cancer in October 2018.  
     Challenge isn't new to the Fissette Family.  Patrick was in the Navy for 23 yeas before FINALLY retiring as Chief.  Durning that time, he was deployed 3 times after 9/11.   Having two small children and working as a preschool teacher, Kim often struggled with her dual role of mom and dad.   Leaning on her parents and friends made Patrick's absence a bit easier to handle. When Patrick came home and decided to retire from the Navy,  the family were back together and hopeful for their future.
     That hope was crushed when Patrick was deemed over qualified for every job he applied for.  After decades of defending OUR freedom, he was essentially unemployable.  That didn't stop Kim from supporting her family as best as she could on her salary.  However, it did cost them their home of 8 years in Elk Grove Village Illinois.  
     Kim's parents were able to help in the only way they knew. With a lot of family discussions and heavy hearts, the Fissettes agreed to move in with Joe and Val Maduzia.   Shortly after, Patrick found a good job with a school district nearby. 
     Time goes by so quickly with every day things like school, activities and work.   Dinner was always spent together though.  Cooking,  laughing, talking about their day and discussing current events as many nights as possible while juggling those pesky schedules.  And in what seemed to be just a blink of an eye, life changed again.  Kim's Godson, Tim Jordan, was killed by a distracted driver just five minutes after clocking out at work.  Only, hours after his mom wished her a Happy Birthday. Yes, Tim died on September 2,2015.  Kim's 42nd birthday.  With a heavy heart, she did the only thing she could..... she stood with Tim's family and said goodbye. And life went on for a while.  Until Joe fell ill.
     As Kim watched her beloved father fade from her life, she still kept going.   Supporting her kids in their grief and standing beside her mom.  
     Another year went by and Kim could feel that something was off with her health.  After weeks of doctor appointments, tests and hospital visits...... Kim was diagnosed.  CANCER.   
      The phone calls came next. How do you tell your family and friends?  I don't know how she did it, but she and Patrick did.  With dignity and grace. When I got the text asking if I could talk, my heart sank.  She never did that.  I called immediately.  No sugar coating. Just the facts. And a lot of crying at both ends of the call. Just after we hung up with the promise of updates, all I could think was, why Kim?  Then came the realization that I needed to stand with her and her family.  It was my turn to give her my all.  
     You see, Kim has been my best friend since we met over 40 years ago.  She shared her love and her family with me. Even though I didn't ask for either.  Especially her little brother.....  She offered to be my sister and I accepted. She is my eldest sons godmother.  She grieved with me when Tim died. There isn't anything she wouldn't do for me and mine.  I've gone through hell knowing she was there with me.  
     Now comes the part where I beg for YOUR help.  Surgery and Chemo come with a hefty price tag attached.  The Fissette's are going through enough right now without having to worry about these costs.  If it means that I have to get on my horribly old knees and panhandle, I will.  I have to thank sites like GoFundMe for the opportunity to ask for help to get these bills paid so I don't have to. 
     Every little bit helps. Even if it's just a share on social media. Help me get the word out please!