Help for the Crowell Family

Team DFMC- one of our own needs us! Our fellow runner (and my dear, dear friend) Katie Crowell is at the end of her long journey with cancer. Many of you are familiar with her story, but if not, here is a quick recap, Katie was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer when she was just 32 weeks pregnant with her youngest daughter Gracie. She gave birth to Gracie and started chemotherapy shortly thereafter. For the next 6.5 years, she has bravely and heroically undergone treatment after treatment after treatment. She has done so with little complaint and with astounding grace. Katie is an avid runner and has absolutely refused to let cancer slow her down. She has continued with her charity work and has run thousands of miles and raised thousands of dollars with DFMC. She just ran 41 miles on her 41st birthday this past May. She is a running machine- and puts her talent toward helping others. She is extremely active in the Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) world and has been a source of support and a shoulder to cry on for many women with a similar diagnosis. In addition, she is a board member of the town Parent Teacher Organization and volunteers her precious time making sure the elementary school children get what they need to be successful in school. Over and above all of this- Katie is a mom, wife, daughter and sister. She has devoted her life to her girls- Lizzy (10) and Gracie (6). Her loss will be felt deeply for years to come. Please keep this family in your hearts and thoughts over the coming days and weeks. Any donation possible will go to the family and toward the girls education. Anything we can do to help this young family will be very much appreciated.

 

I sat with Katie for a while today and was passing along the many well wishes I had received for her. When I mentioned DFMC team members Scott and Rachel, Katie smiled and said "Grace and Grit" in reference to the shirts Rachel has made for DFMC fundraising. That is Katie to the core. She is the definition of Grace and Grit.