Meet Katie!
“I was originally diagnosed when I was 17, with Ewing’s Sarcoma, during Christmas of 2018. Ewing’s Sarcoma is a rare pediatric bone cancer. I went through one year of treatment, which included: 17 rounds of chemotherapy, 7 surgeries, 30 blood transfusions, and fighting off sepsis. After being one-year cancer-free and finishing one year of college, I discovered a swollen lymph node on my groin.
I had it biopsied, and almost two years to the day I was originally diagnosed, we found out that I had to fight Ewing’s again. This was Christmas of 2020 when I was 19 years old.
Since then, the cancer has spread to my lung. I have had 12 more units of blood, 6 more surgeries, and had my eggs harvested. I have also completed 15 doses of whole lung radiation and 30 doses of radiation to my groin.
I have also had 12 rounds of chemo so far, and don’t have an end date yet. I have relied a lot on creating artwork to help me get through the long days in the hospital or the hard days when I don’t feel well. After I relapsed, I created my own small sticker business called Katie's Collective where I sell stickers that are inspired by nature and cancer awareness.
Since being diagnosed with cancer, I have been so humbled by the support I have received from my community. I am grateful for every day and for everyone in my life. It is crazy how much your perspective on life changes.” - Katie
Katie went on to relapse 2 additional times after writing her bio. She underwent countless more rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, a surgery, a stem cell transplant, an emergent thoracentesis, and so many more setbacks. Katie passed away on November 25th after an unexpected bleed caused a cardiac emergency.
Katie was a dear friend of our founder of Our Amazing Fighters' founder, LeAnna. They were introduced by a mutual friend and instantly connected over their shared love of travel, childhood cancer advocacy, Taylor Swift, and so much more. Katie was a beacon of inspiration in our community but even more so was a wonderful, loyal, vibrant, humorous, friend, fiancé, & daughter. We will miss Katie forever and will spend our lifetime honoring the battle she valiantly fought.
In honor of Katie, her family asked that we start a memorial giving fund in her memory. Donations can be made at the link below...