Kathy was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2005. She underwent chemotherapy at Beaumont Hospital from August until December. Kathy never missed a beat, taking no time off of work and insisting on going to her nephew's football games even after having chemotherapy appointments. In December 2005, it was decided that a mastectomy would have to be performed as soon as possible. Prior to surgery, Kathy's surgeon removed a suspicious lymph node from her neck. The lymph node biopsy identified Melanoma. Upon removal of her breast, the tumor that had been previously diagnosed as breast cancer was now also identified as Melanoma.
Everything had been turned upside down, but Kathy didn't waver. She just wanted to know what was next. A new hospital, a new doctor, a new treatment were all in order and Kathy still took everything in stride. After further tests, Kathy received a call that the cancer had metastasized. It was now in her brain. She still marched on, working and walking everyday with Mandy, her pride and joy. Kathy underwent full brain radiation in the early morning so that she could be to work at a reasonable time. Following the radiation treatments, Kathy began treatment for the Melanoma at the University of Michigan. After her first round of treatment, it was decided to aggressively treat the tumors in her brain. While waiting to undergo sterotactic radiosurgery, a small group of family and friends began discussing a fundraiser.
Kathy didn't even want her name in the title, but finally settled on "KDB" in her honor. Kathy continued to fight through the spring and summer of 2006. Following a couple of serious seizures, Kathy began to lose the ability to use her right side. Doctors told her that it was time to consider Hospice. Not ready for defeat, Kathy's doctor told her that if she could walk back into his clinic, he would start treating her again. Kathy opted to try rehabilitation, and she worked hard to regain her strength and mobility. Unfortunately, the Melanoma had spread throughout her body.
Despite her will and her drive, Kathy lost her battle the evening of August 23, 2006 surrounded by family, friends, and her dog, Mandy. Kathy was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. There was not a single thing that Kathy would not do for someone. Everyone came first in her life and she never asked for anything in return. In Kathy's honor and in her memory we continue the fight against Melanoma. The Annual KDB Melanoma Walk is held to honor her spirit in life and her memory. We hope that our efforts will raise awareness in the community and help fund research to ultimately help find a cure to this devastating disease.
Kathy will always be remembered!
Everything had been turned upside down, but Kathy didn't waver. She just wanted to know what was next. A new hospital, a new doctor, a new treatment were all in order and Kathy still took everything in stride. After further tests, Kathy received a call that the cancer had metastasized. It was now in her brain. She still marched on, working and walking everyday with Mandy, her pride and joy. Kathy underwent full brain radiation in the early morning so that she could be to work at a reasonable time. Following the radiation treatments, Kathy began treatment for the Melanoma at the University of Michigan. After her first round of treatment, it was decided to aggressively treat the tumors in her brain. While waiting to undergo sterotactic radiosurgery, a small group of family and friends began discussing a fundraiser.
Kathy didn't even want her name in the title, but finally settled on "KDB" in her honor. Kathy continued to fight through the spring and summer of 2006. Following a couple of serious seizures, Kathy began to lose the ability to use her right side. Doctors told her that it was time to consider Hospice. Not ready for defeat, Kathy's doctor told her that if she could walk back into his clinic, he would start treating her again. Kathy opted to try rehabilitation, and she worked hard to regain her strength and mobility. Unfortunately, the Melanoma had spread throughout her body.
Despite her will and her drive, Kathy lost her battle the evening of August 23, 2006 surrounded by family, friends, and her dog, Mandy. Kathy was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. There was not a single thing that Kathy would not do for someone. Everyone came first in her life and she never asked for anything in return. In Kathy's honor and in her memory we continue the fight against Melanoma. The Annual KDB Melanoma Walk is held to honor her spirit in life and her memory. We hope that our efforts will raise awareness in the community and help fund research to ultimately help find a cure to this devastating disease.
Kathy will always be remembered!