Dear Friends and Family,
Recently, Katie was diagnosed with breast cancer, specifically Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC). This was certainly a shock to all of us, but we are grateful for the early detection and the amazing medical team who are supporting her every step of the way.
The good news is that IDC is a highly treatable type of breast cancer. Katie's doctors are optimistic about her treatment and the outcome. Of course, this journey won't be easy, but we are all standing behind Katie and her husband, Greg, as they navigate this difficult time.
Katie and Greg have met with an oncologist and surgeon to discuss preliminary findings and develop a treatment plan. At this time, Katie has not received verification on the cancer stage. Additional testing will be done next week to determine that. Katie's treatment plan will include chemotherapy and surgery, although the type of surgery is still to be determined based on the additional testing she is undergoing. She is meeting with her care team next week to determine a start date for chemotherapy and plans for surgery.
I know that many of you care deeply for Katie, and so I ask that you keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers. They are a family of six, with four wonderful kids, and they are strong in their faith. Your support and encouragement mean everything to them as they move forward in this fight.
This news has been difficult for Katie and Greg, but they are both staying strong and are very appreciative of all the prayers and well wishes they have received from all of you. I will be updating CaringBridge as Katie and Greg receive more information. In the meantime, feel free to share your well wishes on CaringBridge.
Katie and Greg would appreciate your help during this challenging time, whether it be in the form of prayers or meals. As the health of their children is of utmost importance to them, they try to prioritize organic and specialty foods whenever possible. If you choose to offer assistance through food or meals, please use this resource- (
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JTk7BbVoWhK6TS2bJ8LJxoGCCeC89l3S/view?usp=sharing- for meal ideas that align with their dietary preferences. You can also find this list under "Ways to Help" under headings and then scroll down to "Support Links" and it is labeled "Meals/Food Ideas", or text or email me (Sara) and I will text/email it to you. Please contact me and I can help with storage and delivery of meals. Additionally, Costco is a primary grocery location for the family, so any gift certificates to Costco would be greatly appreciated. We understand that this may be an additional consideration and want to express our gratitude for any help you can provide.
Katie is a fighter, and we all know she will come out stronger on the other side of this. Thank you for your love, your support, and your prayers. We will continue to update you on her progress as she begins treatment and moves through this journey.
With love and gratitude,
Sara Heckel (Katie’s sister)
sheckel@flaschools.org
763-498-4237
