As I reach the two-year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis, I am excited to kick off our 2nd Ker's Fit To Fight Team More Than Walk!

When I finished 12 rounds of chemotherapy and my double mastectomy, I thought life would slowly return to "normal." Instead, I have learned that cancer changes you in ways you never expect. The past year and a half have been filled with highs and lows. My biggest challenge has been adjusting to the side effects of the medications that help keep my cancer from returning—fatigue, joint pain, nausea, and brain fog.

While I am incredibly grateful to be 19 months cancer-free and alive, I have struggled with the idea of a “new normal”. After months of physical therapy, counseling, medication adjustments, and a lot of patience, I am finally in a good place. The side effects haven't disappeared—I have just learned to manage them better.

Along the way, I have found purpose in supporting women who are newly diagnosed and just beginning their own breast cancer journey. Healing hasn't been about getting back to who I was; it has been about finding strength in who I am becoming.

None of that would have been possible without Michael, our families - especially my sister Terri and sister-in-law Melissa, our Fit to Fight team and YOU! Your love, prayers, encouragement, and generosity carried us through the hardest season of our lives. I will never be able to thank you enough.

Part of my "what's next" is walking in the Susan G. Komen Walk again this September. I have been involved with their organization and efforts for over 25 years through fundraising and walking in their events. I look forward to supporting them in new ways as my energy continues to strengthen.

My fight isn't over. I still have four more years of treatment and a lifetime as a survivor.  I am reminded every day of how fortunate I am to have access to lifesaving care and insurance to cover them.

This is why I will continue to raise money for breast cancer research, awareness, and financial assistance, so more women have access to the care they need and more families have hope.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for standing beside Michael and I these past two years. If you are able to support my walk, we would be so grateful. Please help spread awareness, encourage someone going through treatment, or simply remember to schedule your mammogram.

Forever Grateful,
Kathy