The Katie Dimmock Cancer Fund

For the past year and a half, Katie has dealt with an overwhelming amount of health problems--itching, swollen lymph nodes, fevers, chills and other strange symptoms. She got sick easily. She was tired. Her body ached. Then, on February 2nd, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma--a rare cancer of the lymph nodes. 

"Stage 3" refers to the degree of spread. In Katie's body, the cancer is in both lungs, lymph nodes in her neck, under her clavicle, behind her left ribs and sternum and under her diaphragm. Thankfully, Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a treatable disease with a high survival rate. Katie is encouraged and hopeful for complete recovery; however, she has a long road ahead, beginning with chemotherapy. Her treatment will consist of a 4-drug cocktail delivered into her system every other week for 6 months. She is likely to lose her hair, have stomach issues and have very low energy immediately after the infusion. But as it is scheduled for a Thursday, she hopes to rest up over the weekend and potentially go back to work the following Monday for a week and a half at a time.

While her insurance will cover most of the medical costs, she will need to pay her deductible (and for several tests scheduled throughout the 6 month treatment) and continue to pay her monthly bills on a smaller income as she will not be able to work full-time. The disease and chemotherapy both limit her body's ability to fight infection. Because of this, Katie is unable to continue her job at the YMCA-the risk of germs is too great. She will continue to work part-time at an after-school program doing mostly administrative work.  Her chemotherapy treatments just began so she will need help with funds as soon as possible.

Age 26 seems pretty young to be diagnosed with cancer, but Katie is responding with hope that's mature beyond her years. It's almost as if God's been preparing her for this challenge. Katie has definitely met some roadblocks in her life and consistently turns to Christ for strength. She says, "I haven't felt any fear yet. To be honest. I'm sure there'll be moments when I'm afraid, but God has really given me a spirit of peace and patience through this." 

It's hard to be far away from Katie as she walks through this. There are several things we can do to help and support her from a distance. The first is to pray. Pray for energy. Pray that the chemo would be effective. Pray for peace and patience.

And then give.  She needs the financial support right away so please do what you can to help.  Thank you!

And finally, since she's losing her hair, Katie has decided to collect beanies (stocking caps).  If you'd like to send one her way with a note of encouragement, contact me for her address.

-Jesse (Katie's sister)