Katie Beall Kicking Cancer's A$$ Fundraiser

On March 1, 2022, our sister, daughter, friend, confidant, partner, hero, and inspiration, Katie Beall, was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer (her cancer is fed by the HER2 protein). Before going into more detail, as Katie would say, do your breast exams once a month--seriously, do it! And tell your loved ones, too.  Katie has approached her diagnosis with ferocity, not only for her own treatment, but also for the advocacy of others who will have their own breast cancer experiences. Getting quick mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies, and finding the right care teams are critical and, simply, Katie has learned a lot since March 1.  

 

Two days before starting chemo, Katie traveled to Billings where a team of doctors harvested her eggs on March 21 (read more about this experience of radical hope here ). Infertility represents one of the long-term consequences of combination chemotherapy for young women fighting cancer. Chemo goes after cells that proliferate, which is how cancer cells are attacked. Chemo also targets tissues with high turnover tissues (i.e. bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract and growing ovarian follicles). Chemo also makes you immunocompromised, which will be something to navigate with COVID-19. 

Because of the beauty of America's insurance system, Katie's fertility treatment was not covered by her high deductible Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance and cost over $7,000 out-of-pocket. HER2-positive breast cancers tend to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer. Thankfully, treatments that specifically target HER2 are very effective, albeit challenging. As of April 13, 2022, Katie has received two chemotherapy treatments with her oncology team in Bozeman. Her treatment plan will have her finishing chemo on July 6, followed by a by a lumpectomy surgery and radiation. Then, she will continue monoclonal antibody infusions through at least March 2023.  Katie's oncology appointments and treatments will be in Bozeman, which is a 180-mile drive round trip.

 

Along the way, Katie's relationships and connections have been a source of strength and happiness. This includes colleagues and the oldest of friendships and new ones she has made and with others who have fought and are fighting cancer. In one way or another, we have also found strength through Katie! Please, if you feel inclined, reach out to Katie in the days, weeks, and months ahead-she truly embraces the love given to her, and it really lifts her up!

 

Finally, if you have read this far, which, if you know who Katie is, we trust you have, here is "the ask." Katie, THE KATIE, lives for her community (this is you!). Be it her intermural teammates, graduate school cronies, local brewery bartenders, fellow history/literature buffs, colleagues, womens' sports fanatics, outdoor enthusiasts, neighbors, Rut Runners, and any and all people who live for the nectar of life, Katie has shown up and shown out. Now, it is our chance to show up for Katie. In the coming months, Katie will have appointments, treatments, and recovery time, which will require she take time off from work and incur travel and healthcare expenses. To alleviate the financial burden associated with all of this, please consider donating whatever you are able--no amount is too small. If you are unable to donate money, Katie's family and friends will be coordinating meal trains in Helena as well as other ways of supporting Katie. Prayers are welcomeed as well!

 

**UPDATE: The initial GoFund me amount was a best guess by Katie’s family. After speaking more with Katie, we have increased the amount based on her estimated costs. In the unlikely event this amount exceeds Katie’s costs, she will donate such excess funds to the next person who needs fertility treatments or other support related to a cancer diagnosis**

 

If you would like to stay up to date with Katie, here is her blog, which we promise is far more eloquent than this gofundme: Truth of Today Cancer and Mountains   https://katiebeall6.wixsite.com/cancerandmountains