Kim DiMaggio is kicking it to cancer

Our best friend Kim DiMaggio is an amazing mother to her two boys, Nicholas age 10 and Dominic age 8.  Nicholas loves music, karate and Star Wars.  He is incredibly intelligent and has become such a responsible and kind young man.  Dominic is smart, silly, sweet, and a great brother. He is obsessed with Buzz Lightyear and a lover of breakfast food.

Kim has been an elementary school teacher for over 20 years. She has dedicated her entire adult life to helping students learn.  During her lessons, she sings and makes learning engaging. She teaches more than academics; she teaches students to never give up, to be the best person they can be, and to stay positive. She calls them “her kids” and loves each and every one of them as if they were her own.

In early 2017, Kim was unexpectedly diagnosed with breast cancer.  She learned she had the BRACA 1 gene after her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. To be proactive, she had a hysterectomy and was scheduled for a double mastectomy when her cancer was found.  Through many long months of chemo, blood transfusions and prayers, she bravely kicked it in the face and beat it. 

Unfortunately, we recently learned that her cancer has metastasized into other areas of her body. Medical complications with her heart and lungs have sent her to the hospital 3 times, with her last stay lasting 25 days!  Luckily, Nicholas and Dominic were able to visit her throughout her stay and they are so happy that she is finally back home.  She is home on oxygen and a home health care nurse comes every other day to check on her. Patti, family, and friends are with her daily to help her through her day and take care and play with the boys.

She is receiving chemotherapy once a week for three weeks followed by a one-week break. Every 4 months she will be getting a PET scan to compare to see the success of the chemotherapy. Kim may also be involved in clinical trials to help beat this cancer.

Kim is a shining light and inspiration to many of us. Whether you know her as a daughter, sister, partner, friend, teacher or neighbor; she radiates happiness and positivity.  She is loving, unbelievably strong and always puts her family and friends before herself.  Nicholas and Dominic are the reason she is determined to continue fighting this cancer.

Now, it’s time to gift some love and support to Kim. Funds donated will be used toward her mounting medical bills, daily expenses and needs for Nicholas and Dominic. Anything you can donate will be truly appreciated.  Everything we can do to help and surround her with love is what is most important so she can focus on beating this thing. Please spread the word and pray for Kim. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.