My Story…

In December 2025, my life changed in an instant when I heard the words no one expects to hear: you have lung cancer.
Then they told me it had already spread to my brain.
Within days, I was undergoing brain surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. My life suddenly became a whirlwind of scans, appointments, and learning a language of medicine I never imagined I’d need to know.
But in the middle of all that fear, something incredible happened. The team at MGH moved fast. My oncologist, Dr. Gainor quickly started me on a targeted therapy: a TKI designed specifically for my cancer type: ALK+. Treatments like this exist today because of years of research and breakthroughs.
That research is the reason I have options.
It’s the reason I have hope.
And it’s the reason I get more time with the people I love, especially my children.
This 5K is incredibly personal to me because the funds raised support the very research happening at MGH-the same research that is helping patients like me keep fighting and keep living.
If you’re able, please consider making a donation or sharing this page. Every dollar truly helps move the research forward and gives patients like me more time, more options, and more hope.
Research is the reason I still have hope.
Thank you.
Donate to help Katie raise money for LUNGSTRONG 5K Run & 1.5 Mile Walk’s fundraising campaign.
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| May 18 | Thomas & Shannon Obrey | Undisclosed amount |
| May 17 | Liza | $105.50 |
| May 16 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| May 16 | Dana Flynn | $52.75 |
| May 15 | Steve and Joanie Brunette | $52.75 |
| May 15 | Katrina L | Undisclosed amount |
| May 15 | Hellenic Realty Partners | $290.13 |
| May 15 | Steve, Tony, Thor & Zeus | $105.50 |
| May 14 | Anna & Nikki Kostis | $211.00 |
| May 14 | Robert & Cindy Corriveau | $105.50 |