Kicking Cancer with Kalee!

Hello friends, family, and colleagues,

As some of you may know I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Rectal Cancer in February 2023 as a result of my doctors discovering an 8 cm mass during a routine colonoscopy. Unfortunately while fighting Cancer I gained additional diagnoses of diabetes and orthostatic hypotension.

My G.I. surgeon’s words of “Cancer is a marathon, not a sprint” definitely ring true as I have undergone 28 rounds of chemo-radiation; 4 cycles of Folfox IV chemotherapy; urinary stones; hand-foot-mouth disease; 3 hospitalization stays, and numerous infections- just name a few. Despite my overwhelming medical status I have remained anchored in positivity and faith.

In June, my medical team and I decided that we would conquer my stage 2 cancer with an IV chemotherapy regimen. This regimen consisted of me undergoing 8 cycles of Folfox chemotherapy, a potent cocktail of 3 drugs, every other week. Folfox is the gold standard in care to combat my particular cancer. However, what was believed to be my best course of action to eliminate my cancer quickly became a threat to me. In August my IV chemotherapy began to inhibit my ability to walk. Thus, the emergency decision to cease my chemotherapy was made by my doctors. Because of all of these unforeseen and life-threatening medical challenges, I have been unable to work. While the time that I’ve been unable to work has allowed me to heal and recover periodically I’ve now reached a point where I’m taking unpaid leave from work which has placed finances in a precarious state.

My marathon of beating cancer is expected to endure more major surgeries and long-term recovery stays in the hospital. On October 19, I will undergo Low Anterior Resection of the Rectum and Colon. This surgery consists of removing the diseased rectal tissue with clean margins and creating a hole in my abdomen to connect an ostomy bag. It requires an extended hospital stay and a huge change in lifestyle. Unfortunately, I will be unable to work for weeks.

I am asking for financial assistance as I continue my marathon of beating cancer. Your financial assistance will support me in focusing on my road to normalcy without a harsh financial burden.

This cancer journey has been monumental. The amount of love and support that I’ve received is incredible. I’m thankful everyday for life and each person in it. I am confident that I will beat cancer! Please join me in the fight to #KickCanerWithKalee!