Help and Support for Katie Tabor Baisden

It is with a very heavy heart that I, Amy Flaum Nowlin, share that the cherished wife of David and stepmother of Oliver Baisden, Katie Tabor Baisden, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer on September 27th, 2023. Katie was diagnosed in 2006 with a benign tumor in her pituitary gland and right optic nerve which she overcame after an uphill battle and undergoing weeks of medical treatments.

 

In November 2023, Katie was life flighted to Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, after a tumor in her colon burst, which led to endless medical complications. She was only able to complete two chemo treatments before she was admitted into Hillcrest. Unfortunately, the treatment for her cancer has taken a back seat because of a series of these urgent complications.

 

Since her admission, for six full weeks, and counting, Katie has been fighting for her life. She has undergone an indescribable amount of both physical and emotional pain. She has been on and off life support, undergone endless medical scans and procedures, has received ICU level of care, and was ultimately transferred to the Cleveland Clinic Main campus due to a worsening of her condition.

 

Katie is also the beloved daughter of Jackie and Lynn Tabor of Williamsfield, Ohio, as well as sister to Randy Tabor. Anyone who knows the Tabor family knows that their family is as strong as they come. To know them is to love them. Along with her husband, David, they have remained by her side since the beginning. Between her mother, Jackie, and her husband, David, Katie has not spent one night alone in her hospital room. 

 

As just one of her friends, I and several others have been praying every day for God to heal our sweet and precious friend. After weeks of doing so we felt led to put our faith into action by raising funds to lessen the immense financial burden that Katie and her husband have been facing.

 

They have gone from a two-family income to a one-person income. The financial stress is tremendous. Aside from the cost of an ongoing hospitalization, ICU level of care, medically induced coma, medical procedures, daily parking and gas costs, physical therapy, and ongoing doctor appointments, she will also prayerfully resume chemo treatments once she is stable enough to continue that piece of her battle. These expenses have become insurmountable.

 

Katie is a proud Pymatuning Valley Laker Alum. She, her husband, and stepson currently reside in Twinsburg, Ohio where she has continued her career and is a valued member of the Twinsburg community.

 

On a personal note, Katie was the first friend I made at P.V. She saw me crying quietly in a loud, crowded kindergarten classroom on the first day of school. This little five-year old girl asked me what was wrong to which I responded, “I’m afraid the teacher won’t know what bus to put me on after school.” She immediately turned around, marched up to our teacher and asked if she could write down my bus number on her desk so I no longer needed to worry. This led to countless play dates and sleep overs. (Sleepovers were the best at the Tabor household. Every time I smell sausage and bacon, it brings me back to a typical morning in their home.) Over the years we have weathered many storms together as well as many joyous times. Katie is loyal, loving beyond measure, selfless, determined, and strong. On that first day of kindergarten all those years ago, Katie made sure I returned home safe and sound.  Now, through the prayers and generous support of all who love her, let’s get Katie healed and home safely!

 

We are asking for anyone reading this post that they would consider giving generously and as they are able. Any amount of money will help lift this heavy and very real burden.

 

We are setting a goal of $15,000. I know that is a bold ask but I believe with all my heart that it is possible.

 

Aside from financial contributions Katie’s husband David and her family are asking for specific prayer requests.

 

1.   Please pray for the complete healing of her cancer so that she can go back to doing what Katie does best, which is to help others and resume her proud role of wife and stepmother.

2.   Pray for all of those who are suffering this same battle. That they too would not be alone in their fight.

3.   Pray that in the months ahead as she continues to heal and regain physical strength that she would be able to resume chemo treatments and God would continue to provide for Katie and her family as they move forward.