Battle Cancer with the Katz Family

Meet Darla. Darla is a loving wife, stepmom, and pet mommy. She lives in sunny Southern California in a small house that she shares with her husband, their friend, their Lucky puppy, and their kitties, Kittles and Saara. She served in the Air Force, and has been known to seek out volunteer opportunities. She has, unfortunately, experienced a number of challenges throughout the years as well.


That’s where this campaign comes in. One of the more difficult challenges that Darla has faced has been cancer. In fact, she was battling three separate cancers in the same year. Three! Approximately 8 years ago, Darla was first diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Luckily it reacted well to treatment, and she could still function. Then a few years ago she suffered from both skin cancer and breast cancer. Ultimately she had a mastectomy due to the breast cancer. Throughout it all Darla remained steadfast in her beliefs and strength of character. She kept a cheerful disposition and was positive that she would beat this horrible disease.


Last October Darla suffered a major blow. Her brain cancer had an offshoot, which was of a higher grade – just a step below a glioblastoma as a matter of fact. Luckily this tumor could be removed! She had brain surgery, and her mom came out from North Carolina to help her through her recovery. A few days into her mom’s visit and within a couple weeks of her surgery, her mom, Peggy, was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Now instead of healing, Darla was acting as caretaker, and she did without complaint. Peggy passed away a little before Christmas, and Darla was left with physical set-backs and heartache, but she persevered and carried on – and she kept her smile.


Just days ago, after suffering from a number of falls, Darla found out that she has new lesions on her brain, and they suspect the cancer has spread to the spinal fluid. She is fighting more than ever for her life every day.


Now, meet Sheldon. Sheldon is Darla’s caring husband. He is also her sole caretaker, and works a full-time job as a limo driver, which means he really relies on his tips. Sheldon’s sister, Paulette, was diagnosed and treated about 5-6 years ago with breast cancer. After treatment it appeared to be in remission, but it came back with a vengeance and spread to her spine. She recently suffered some other major health issues, possibly due to the cancer. Sheldon is her closest family in both proximity and emotion, which means he is often the one supporting and helping her through her treatments while also helping Darla. Between caring for the women he loves and working often 60 hours a week, he is busy.


With Darla’s newest diagnosis, it is likely that he will either have to take leave from work, or they will have to hire home health care workers. Both options come at a great expense. That’s why we are reaching out to you. Insurance only covers so much, and in order to be able to pay for all the treatments and help they will need, we are asking you to consider donating even just $1 to help them make ends meet. Even if you cannot support them financially, we’d appreciate you sharing this page.


This close family needs our love, support, and prayers. Whatever you can do is appreciated. We will keep you updated on the family and Darla’s diagnosis.