To our family, friends, loved ones and all those who know Kathy –
In September 2020, Mom was having trouble writing a thank you note. As a woman renowned for her penmanship, she insisted something was wrong and self-advocated to her doctor (and family) that she needed it checked out immediately. As was usually (and historically) the case, she was correct.
Following several doctors’ visits, scans, results, and follow ups, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. The scans revealed tumors in her lung, lymph nodes, and brain. During Fall 2020, she underwent a variety of treatment options and combinations between September and Thanksgiving.
In early December, she experienced unstable vitals had to be hospitalized due to a pulmonary embolism and related complications. While in the hospital she underwent a minor surgery to address the pulmonary embolism and some in-patient PT later, Mom made it home for the holidays in good spirits. While in the hospital Jeff and Greg took turns moonlighting as Florence Nightingale, making sure that Mom was always in good company.
In early January 2021, updated scans, primarily focusing on her brain, provided a clearer comparison to previous scans showing the tumors in her brain had, unfortunately, grown at an alarming rate. Mom remained resolute in her positive outlook on the time she could spend with family and friends, even with COVID-19 social restrictions in place. On January 25th, we began in-home hospice care where mom is surrounded by her husband, all three of her children, her mother, and three adoring furry family members.
Here is a link to Kathy's obituary in the Richmond Times Dispatch. Please note that in lieu of flowers we've asked that donations be made to Safe Harbor where Kathy served on their Board. The second link is for Safe Harbor's donation site.
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