Kathy is our model for our 2006 Reserve Napa Petite Sirah

This runner was in for the race of her life.

Happily married a short 5 years. 30 years of age. Mother to a 3 year old daughter and 9 month old son. Champion distance runner. The last thing Kathy expected to hear a physician tell her was that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I was immediately shocked and confused,” Kathy notes. “I was not educated about breast cancer. I felt isolated from this because of my age and healthy lifestyle. These things gave me a false sense of protection. The reality of breast cancer just was not out there for me. I didn’t know of any young moms with breast cancer.”

Kathy and her husband Marc immediately went on the offensive, researching doctors, care options, and treatment possibilities. “I dressed myself in battle gear the day I heard the word “cancer”. My zest for life and my mission to prove to my family that we would not be defeated has driven me to fight as hard as I possibly can. I want my children to some day understand that I was a warrior for them.”

The diagnosis Kathy feared came during the time when she was nursing her infant son. Before she could embark on her medical game plan, she had to use medications that would end her breast feeding.

With the direction of a medical team she trusted, Kathy’s treatments for breast cancer began. She had a lumpectomy, followed by 6 months of aggressive chemotherapy, and then 6 weeks of radiation treatments.

Taking Tamoxifin and having follow-ups with her doctor every 3 months, all seemed to be corrected. 20 months later in 2003, a slightly elevated liver enzyme test reading revealed that Kathy’s breast cancer had metastasized to her liver.

“Learning that my cancer had metastasized after 20 months of remission was more defeating than I could ever explain,” says Kathy. “It was dream crushing.”

For the past 5 ½ years, Kathy has undergone metastatic treatment – continuous chemotherapy along with a variety of cutting-edge, complimentary drugs.

Throughout her medical ordeal, Kathy’s family has stood firmly by her side. Concerned about the impact her medical situation was having on her children, Kathy and Marc searched for resources that would lend support to the cancer patient as well as to the care givers. “Cancer affects the whole family, but it has a unique impact upon children. Not finding exactly what we wanted to help our children led us to take the initiative to start Kathy’s Camp.”

Kathy’s Camp is a non-profit organization for children of cancer patients. It provides support, encouragement, and fun activities. Kathy’s Camp strives to build a community of children who understand each other and can relate to what each is experiencing, giving them outlets and companionship in an environment that understands the impact of cancer on a family. More can be learned about Kathy’s Camp at the website www.KathysCamp.org

Despite the unpleasant medical treatments and discouraging health news she faces each day, Kathy continues to be a role model for others. “I am still living my life to it’s fullest in every capacity possible. I want everyone to know that they too can do the same. The love of my family bolsters me. My faith in God sustains me. I hope my finish line is far, far away.”

About Kathy

Kathy and her husband Marc live in Cotati, California with their daughter Jillian and son Ian. Kathy enjoys all time spent with her family, and is an integral part of their numerous activities.