Support Katie McLaughlin's Battle with Cancer

Hi everyone, my name is Mike McLaughlin , brother of Jay McLaughlin both employees at EMR drywall. I’m looking to raise funds for my sister-in law Katie McLaughlin ( formerly Arsenault). First let me tell you about Katie. Katie is 35 years old, a wife and mother to two beautiful children Isabelle 7 and Hunter 4 . She’s always worked with children. Being a nanny/ teacher and caregiver to kids came so natural to her. She’s a beautiful person inside and out. She lost her brother about 10 years ago and the road has been rough. But with all the love and support around her, she has been able to manage putting a smile on her face. putting others first way before herself and always finding a way to make you smile . Katie is that person. That person in your life that makes you feel comfortable no matter what. She’s a true warrior with an heart of gold. Unfortunately a series of events have lead us here. Let me explain .. About 4 years ago Katie had a grand mal seizure. Medical tests were run and medication for epilepsy was given. Within these years she struggled with not knowing why, seeking the help from many medical professionals, she was told she was a controlled epileptic. Fast forward to a year and a half ago… Katie’s throat started hurting on her left side causing her an abundance of issues involving her ears neck and head living in constant pain. Despite keeping as much normalcy for her kids , jobs, and household she continued seeking help. PCP, referrals to different ENTs , a neurologist. Undergoing 2 endoscopy , a lanryngoscopy, CTs and more over an entire year. But NOTHING / no answers were found. Fast forward to about 6 months ago , she was unable to eat solid food, and searing pain. She switched healthcare providers and immediately received better treatment. Within the first 2 visits, these doctors saw what no other doctors did. At this time the devastating news was delivered to Katie and her husband Jay. She was diagnosed with stage 4 Laryngeal cancer in her neck. It was the worst possible outcome. The larynx is a part of the throat, between the base of the tongue and the trachea. So she had no choice but to undergo surgery for a total laryngectomy, which involves never speaking again. During this procedure, the entire larynx, and voice box were removed, along with most of her thyroid and some surrounding lymph nodes. A whole reconstruction of her esophagus using skin from her forearm and thigh , leaving significant scarring..The surgeon also attached the end of the windpipe to a hole in the neck, called a stoma to become a permanent opening for breathing. After a total laryngectomy you need to learn new ways to speak, swallow, and breathe. She also is on a feeding tube allowing her to get the nutrients and medication she desperately needs throughout post op and the upcoming treatment. She weighs 88 pounds, fighting to add calories and protein to stay strong enough for chemo and radiation for the next 6 weeks. 5x a week for countless hours. Katie is using white boards and her phone to communicate since she no longer has a voice box. This family’s whole wide world has just been flipped and shaken upside down. Her mom and stepdad moved in to help keep the ship afloat. Plus Jay has taken a leave of absence from work ( EMR) to be her main caregiver, bringing Katie to all her appointments and taking care of the kids and everything else. Carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders right now. So I am asking anyone reading this to honestly sit and dig into their heart and try to feel one ounce of the pain they are feeling. To find compassion, empathy and hatred for this disease. This world hasn’t given Katie or Jay any breaks in life , I’m asking we change that by donating anything you can. If you give to any organization or cancer foundation annually please instead consider supporting in donating directly to this family. Katie and Jay definitely need all the support they can get right now. No one deserves this, especially not at 35 years old. Cancer is a disease that has affected us all in one way or another help us help The McLaughlin family be as comfortable and happy as they can be at this time. Thank you all so very much, we appreciate all the help. ❤️ #brotherhood #brotherhoodstrong #unionstrong #unionwife #cancersucks