"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill

We all have things fighting for our attention. Whether it's our job, our family, our hobbies, or interests. People living with cancer and the members of their family have something that not only fights for their attention, but cancer can easily become the only thing they focus on.

Katie Barrette and her now fiancé, Watson, were in a season of excitement. They got engaged in 2022 and also purchased a home together, which had them ultra excited about this season of life. However, what came next was certainly not a part of their plan.

Katie Barrette's journey with cancer started when attending her normal and routinely scheduled OBGYN appointment in 2022. However, it turned out this wouldn't be just another "normal" appointment. After additional testing, Katie was diagnosed with Endometrial cancer, which led to a handful of surgeries and chemotherapy in hopes of helping her heal. 

Katie's chemotherapy was completed in the Fall of 2022 and it was around that time when her care team informed her that there's is no evidence of disease! Katie's journey is far from over as she continues to navigate the physical, mental, and emotional challenges that cancer brings. Her physical therapy has been helping her gain her strength back, but Gilda's support group on Tuesday has played a major role in helping with the mental and emotional side of her journey. "Gilda's is a space to connect with other people who have similar experiences, a space to vent, and a place where you gain a sense of community," Katie said. Katie, along with her dad and fiancé go to Tuesday night support groups. As of now, Katie is scheduled to see her care team again this Fall to continue to monitor her progress.

Katie and Watson are currently enjoying the process of fixing up their new home with a lot of DIY projects! They also have a dog and a cat that keep them busy. Although the cancer diagnosis paused the scheduling of their wedding, their hopeful to be able to set the date sooner rather than later! 

Please help us send Katie Over The Edge and help Gilda's club continue providing a space for those living with cancer to turn to as they navigate each of their individual journeys. All of the proceeds donated to this great event will go to providing the continued programs, community, and environment that's crucial to those living with cancer.