03/27/2026
For the last 11 years, watching other parents celebrate their child’s milestones has proven to be one of the hardest things. If I haven’t told you about my daughter, allow me to tell you about my Katie.
Katie was only 12. After quickly losing 30 pounds with no concern from any doctors, we admitted her to an eating disorder inpatient program. One night, we came to visit when they said she was in a wheelchair due to a rapid heart rate. I signed her out against medical advice and drove to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Six hours in, a parents worst nightmare became our reality. Katie was diagnosed with cancer.
I remember wheeling her through the hospital and coming off the elevator to see Oncology was the moment that life got real — real fast. We were told lymphoma was the “best cancer” with a 95% cure rate. Katie fought hard, but after multiple medical errors, she died one year later. Just 13 years old.
She would have been 25 now, and not a day goes by that I don’t think about how much I love that girl. Her light is what keeps me fighting for more. Just like with women’s health, there’s not nearly enough funding for pediatric cancer research, hell, even cancer medications aren’t meant for kids. was one of the original IG influencers (45K followers when she died in 2014.) I was afraid of social media, but every time I post or my content helps another woman, I feel connected to Katie and hope she would be proud of me.
We don’t ever want anyone to forget. We want better advocacy, research, and support. And I’m so thankful to have a wonderful community and a platform to share these kinds of things. My incredible cousin and her sorority are Relaying for Katie on April 11th, as they do every year, fundraising money for the American Cancer Society at Relay for Life. I’m such a grateful mom, and Katie would be absolutely beaming if she knew how many others continue to share their love for her. If that’s you, thank you.
Let me know if you’re interested in the Relay for Life donation link - Kappa Kappa Gamma is relaying for Katie 🤍 All donation proceeds go directly to the ACS for research, patient support, advocacy, and education.