Kicking Cancer with Kathy

Hi, my name is Janie Schmidt and I initiated this fundraiser on behalf of my sister Kathy Palana.

 

As some of you know, in May of this year, Kathy discovered a lump in her lower abdomen. Thankfully, Kathy’s usual overall healthy lifestyle contributed to her being in-tune with changes in her body. After not seeing improvement over a few days, she decided to see her gynecologist, who performed an initial examination and immediately referred her to an oncologist. The oncologist found a large cyst on one of her ovaries. Surgery was performed to remove the cyst and one of her ovaries. A biopsy determined the tumor was cancerous and Kathy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Thankfully, overall prognosis is great!! All of that being said, Kathy is just at the beginning of this journey. She will have to complete 8 rounds of chemotherapy, which she has already started and eventually will require a full hysterectomy. In the midst of a cancer diagnosis, surgery and plans for treatment, Kathy and her husband, Matias also have had to make life changing decisions about starting their family, ultimately going through the arduous process of preparing for and completing an egg retrieval procedure under her Dr’s approval with only a small window of time . All of these things happening within just weeks of discovering the cyst.

 

Anyone who knows Kathy, knows her strong, independent, and determined personality. Her original plan was to continue working throughout treatment. Unfortunately, her chemo treatments have taken a toll on her physically and she, understandably, has had to reduce her work load as an Account Manager. Matias has been amazing and is taking care of her 24/7 during this time which has also limited his ability to work full-time and made the decision to step back from new job opportunity.  

 

Kathy can and will get through this! We want nothing more than for her and Matt to be able to focus on Kathy’s health and recovery. Help us in supporting this amazing selfless human! So many have already reached out with their well wishes and provided comfort and support in so many ways and Kathy, Matt and our family thank you!!