Help for Katie and Maddie

Hi friends and family,

As many of you may have already heard, earlier this year Katie was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer. On February 16, 2023 she woke up with severe stomach pain and nausea that gradually worsened as the day went on, eventually sending her to the emergency room. After many hours, bloodwork, and tests, an abdominal CT scan revealed a suspicious mass on her pancreas. An endoscopy and biopsy was scheduled for the following day and the results confirmed our worst fears. Just a week shy of her 37th birthday, a 7cm pancreatic tumor had already made its way into neighboring organs, lymph nodes, and blood vessels, and we knew that Katie’s fight for her life and the future of her 4 year old daughter would be an immediate priority.

Shortly after she was released from the hospital, a follow up appointment with her surgical oncologist revealed even more difficult news. Due to the central location of the tumor, he wouldn’t be able to operate. Chemotherapy and palliative care would help minimize the symptoms of her cancer and keep her as comfortable as possible, but the prognosis was clear and concise.

Katie has spent most of her life fighting battles and swimming against the current. She has worked so hard over the last few years to be a great mother to her daughter Maddie, working long or late hours to provide for her as a single mother. The bond and love between the two of them is so special and makes this news even more devastating for the two of them as well as our close friends and family. However, faced this challenge with an inspiring amount of strength and optimism.

Katie’s diagnosis and symptoms have forced her to have to quit her job and give up her home to move back in with her parents. Everyday expenses, Maddie’s education, medical bills, and attorney fees are beginning to add up.

We believe in Katie and will continue to support and stand with her in her fight daily. We are asking at this time for you and our communities to help support Katie and Maddie in this fight in order to help reach our goal.

We appreciate your consideration from the bottom of our families hearts.

Sincerely,

Joe and Christie Haro

Patti and John DiGiovanna

Katie and Maddie Cane