Kathy's Angels

Our mother, Kathy, better known in our hometown of East Boston as ‘Mumma Kath’, has been a  pinnacle of strength for anyone who has been lucky enough to know her. She has always gone above and beyond for anyone, especially any of our friends we brought home in any stage of life. She was always there with some tea, pasta with white sauce, and chicken cutlets to support anyone in anything – from struggling with grades in school, to heartbreak, to wanting to run away from their home; She was the embodiment of a safe space. We have been so lucky to have her as our mother, and in the more recent years, as a grandmother to our children.

As many of you know by now, Mumma Kath is currently battling a Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiform – which was diagnosed in September after two of the scariest weeks of our families' lives. She was intubated and put in a medically induced coma due to severe seizure activity the doctors were unable to suppress. We had no idea if she’d wake back up, or if she did, how she would be functionally.

To our and the doctor's amazement, when they lowered the sedatives, she woke up nearly immediately; Trying to speak and looking for my sister, myself, and her mother. She was unbelievable to the medical staff with her ability to sign what she needed and to understand and fill out health proxy forms, and she worked so hard at her speech and mobility. Today, this woman has done what we have come to expect from her our entire lives; She has listened to what the doctors said and has surpassed all expectations. She can walk on her own, and speak articulately, and that amazing sense of humor is still fully intact. She is radiant through the hardship of this aggressive brain cancer, as only Kathy Knowles could be.

My sister, Michelle, has given up work to be at home with her, as she by the grace of God has not needed or qualified for hospice -and after months of time off from work, and draining our funds to be able to have her at home with mom, we are asking for help reluctantly; There is nothing left.

Please help us so that we are able to spend these months with our mother taking care of her the way she spent her life taking care of everyone around her. Anything helps. We have small children to care for as well, and we have done everything in our power since September to avoid having to do this – we don’t take this lightly and we appreciate anything – even just a share.

Thank you so much for being a part of our lives, and for your support on our journey to what hopefully will bring our mother to remission and health. We love you all and appreciate you more than we could express in words.

Sharleen, Michelle, and Mumma Kath.