I remember the day the doctor told me my diagnosis like it was yesterday. My mom went with me to the appointment. When the doctor gave us the news she immediately called my dad and siblings who quickly met us at the house. Not a lot of words were said between all of us at that moment, but I remember just being glad that they were with me while I nervously folded clothes that should have been put away days before.

I didn’t sleep much that night. Instead, I laid in bed and just prayed and asked God why I was going through this. The next morning I woke up with a peace that I cannot explain. I was no longer scared, and I was ready to get a plan and face this head on. From the very first day of finding out that I had cancer – having my family and friends’ support and prayers meant the world to me. Through every step – from my first appointment, chemo treatments, and shaving my head – them being there meant so much to me.

I wanted to find a way to do that for others, so while I was going through treatment I looked for a way to help. I started volunteering with a group called Cowboys Who Care. This group brings cowboy hats to children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses. During my time with them, I was able to bring children going through cancer treatment to rodeos and give them a fun experience during a hard time in their life.

During my first few appointments, I was told how my treatment should go and was given the option to have fertility preservation done before starting my treatment. I was fortunate enough to be able to do this because of the support system that I have. I will even have my identical twin sister be my surrogate when I am ready for a family of my own (seriously, how blessed am I??). During this time, I learned many women would not be able to do because of the financial burden.

This is why I began Kate’s Cause. I believe that no women should have to sacrifice having a family to have the treatment that will save her life. I want to be able to offer the support that I was given to as many women as I can!

I truly believe that God gives us hard times so that we can be a light for someone else going through a similar situation. Although these times were hard for me, I never felt that He was not by my side. I believe that he showed this so much through the compassion and support of the people He placed in my life. I am thankful for my experiences because I believe that it has given me such a different perspective. I am now able to give some of the love I received back to others.