Emily and Katy- Survivors!
A Journey of Friendship and Resilience: Emily and Katy?s Story
For 23 years, Emily and Katy have shared a deep friendship, one that has weathered life?s highs and lows, including the unimaginable challenge of facing life-threatening illnesses together. Their bond has been a source of strength, love, and unwavering support through their battles with breast cancer.
Katy?s Courageous Fight
In April 2016, Katy?s life changed when she discovered a lump in her right breast. Initially dismissed by her physician, Katy trusted her instincts and insisted on further screening six weeks later. The diagnosis confirmed her fears: invasive ductal carcinoma with an aggressive oncotype, requiring surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Over the next two years, Katy endured intense pain and fatigue but was uplifted by the overwhelming love from her husband Patrick, their son Jackson, her family, friends?including Emily?coworkers, and community. Through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) after treatment, Katy welcomed her now 6-year-old son, Jackson. Remarkably, Katy reflects on her cancer journey with gratitude, as it led to the miracle of her son?s birth?a possibility that may not have existed without her diagnosis. Supported by love, prayers, meal trains, music, yoga, her meaningful career, and her community, Katy is preparing to celebrate her 10-year survivorship anniversary in April 2026.
Emily?s Battle with Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Emily?s journey began with a routine mammogram on December 5, 2023, revealing stage 2 triple negative breast cancer, an aggressive subtype that had already spread to one lymph node despite regular screenings. Not long ago, this diagnosis was often a death sentence. However, thanks to recent research breakthroughs, Emily benefited from infusions originally developed for lung cancer, which are effective only for triple negative breast cancer. Her treatment included six months of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, radiation, six months of oral chemotherapy, and a year of immunotherapy infusions. Unlike other breast cancer types, there is no maintenance medication for triple negative breast cancer, so Emily works with an integrative oncologist, using supplements and mistletoe injections to support her health. Research dollars were critical to her survival, and Emily is living proof of their impact.
The Power of Research and Community Support
The stories of Katy and Emily underscore the vital role of research in transforming breast cancer from a deadly disease to a survivable one. Private organizations like Susan G. Komen are at the forefront of funding innovative research that saves lives. Every contribution, even as small as $5, fuels these efforts?and it?s tax-deductible!
How You Can Help
Join us in supporting Katy, Emily, and countless others by taking action:
Walk with Us: Join our team for the Susan G. Komen walk on October 18, 2025. Details on meeting points will be shared soon.
Register for our team to walk alongside us.
Optional: Show your support by purchasing a Ford Warriors in Pink Women?s Take Flight T-Shirt: https://merchandise.ford.com/products/ford-warrior-in-pink-womens-take-flight-v-neck-t-shirt?variant=43959105552611 or Scarf: https://merchandise.ford.com/products/ford-warriors-in-pink-2023-scarf?variant=46080663847139 to wear during the walk. Please note these purchases are not required to join us.
Donate: Any amount, big or small, makes a difference in funding life-saving research.
Pray: Keep Katy, Emily, and all breast cancer survivors and fighters in your thoughts and prayers for continued healing.
Together, we can honor the resilience of survivors like Katy and Emily, support those currently fighting, and pave the way for a future free from breast cancer. Thank you for standing with us.
