Thank you

Hi my name is Debbie Gates.

For those who don't know me I am Katie's mom. Katie was diagnosed with Macular Melanoma in her right eye two months ago while being treated for Dry Macular Degeneration which she had before in her left eye. When MD started in her right eye she knew immediately to go to the doctor. While treating her eye the doctor thought it was taking too long for MD to heal. The doctor decided to take some eye fluid and test for an active infection. When the results came back it showed cancer cells were present.

That began Katie's cancer journey. Immunotherapy was the first treatment along with several other medications.

At the end of the first treatment the tumor hasn't gotten any larger but it has attached itself to the inside wall of the eye but not to a blood vessel yet.

Although disappointing that it had not shrunk the doctor felt good about the results.

This week starts her second round of immunotherapy. After that there will be radiation and maybe chemotherapy before radiation and removal of the tumor with a laser. Although it was caught early it's difficult to treat.

The reason for this fund raising is that Katie's medical insurance doesn't cover everything. Katie is also not working every day.

This means the costs have fallen to Dave and me. Both my husband and I have postponed retirement but the costs are difficult due to the cost of our own medical needs.

The most important reason for Katie's recovery is her 5 year old daughter Remi.

Anything that you can give would be greatly appreciated. If it can only be prayers we'll take all we can get. Please forward so that we have the best chance for a cure.

Thanks for taking the time to read Katie's story.

God bless you.

Debbie and Dave

All funds will be distributed by Dave and I.