At 28, Kate Crawford, a mother of three young children from Pittsburgh, never expected that her life would soon be turned upside down by a diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Her journey began when she started experiencing what seemed to be ordinary back pain, which she attributed to the physical demands of motherhood. Doctors dismissed the pain as a common nerve issue, explaining that it was likely a result of the stress and fatigue associated with caring for her young children. Kate, herself, believed the pain was simply part of the exhaustion that came with being a new mom.
However, the symptoms continued to worsen. Along with the back pain, she began developing a persistent cough, stomach issues, and unexplained bruises that wouldn’t fade. Despite these alarming signs, Kate chalked it up to fatigue and a lingering cold, thinking little of it. It wasn’t until much later that the full extent of her illness became clear. By then, the cancer, which had been quietly growing in her breast for years, had already spread to her spine, liver, and pelvis.
The devastating diagnosis came when Kate was told she had only 18 to 24 months to live. This grim prognosis was based on the fact that her cancer was already at an advanced stage, with no cure in sight. However, despite this dire prediction, Kate defied the odds. Now, at 41, she has survived 12 years beyond that initial diagnosis, living with the reality of metastatic breast cancer, which is treatable but not curable.
Kate’s survival has been nothing short of a miracle. During these years, she has undergone over 200 treatments, including a double mastectomy, and has faced countless challenges, from allergic reactions to heart failure and early-stage lung disease. Still, she has kept fighting. Her determination and resilience are fueled by the love and support of her husband, Steve, and their three children, now teenagers. Through it all, Kate has focused on making memories with her family, embracing small moments of joy, like laughing with her children or enjoying a peaceful day by the lake.
Although Kate knows that cancer will never be fully eradicated from her life, she remains thankful for the time she’s had and is committed to raising awareness about the importance of recognizing the early signs of cancer. Looking back on her journey, she realizes that the signs of her illness were subtle but present. Her persistent cough, digestive issues, and fatigue were all warning signals, but she was unaware of their significance at the time. Had she known what to look for, she believes she could have advocated for herself sooner.
Now, Kate is determined to educate others on the importance of understanding their bodies and seeking medical attention when something doesn’t feel right. She urges others to trust their instincts and not ignore their symptoms. Her message is simple but powerful: If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. Get checked out.
Despite the hardships she faces, Kate is clear about one thing: It’s okay to not always be positive. She rejects the idea of always being the brave cancer patient and encourages others to express all their emotions, whether it’s anger, sadness, or frustration. She explains that cancer is a relentless battle, one that requires navigating difficult moments and learning to cope with the physical and emotional toll. But through it all, Kate has found strength in her family and the love they share.
In sharing her journey, Kate hopes to inspire others to take charge of their health and be proactive in seeking answers, because, as she’s learned, sometimes it’s the smallest signs that can make the biggest difference.
