I know I haven’t been writing and I apologize. This past week I have made the transition from steroids and constant inpatient into all chemo and sometimes inpatient. However, I wanted to take the time to write this post as a way thank everyone who has reached out to me throughout the last month.
Never before could I have imagined just how many people I know genuinely care about my well-being. My wish for everyone is to feel as loved and as cared for as I have this past month. The genuine concern and support that I have received from friends and family is astonishing to me and I can’t even express to you all just how much the simple texts, gift cards, and small gestures have helped make this journey more bearable. I currently have 192 unread text messages, 78 unread Facebook messages, and 25 voicemails. It is because of the overwhelming quantity that I have been unable to respond to each note but I am writing here to let you know that I see every text and they are what help motivate me to deal with the day to day struggles of a 21 year old cancer patient.
If you would have told me two months ago that I would have hundreds of genuinely concerned texts and messages of support, a philanthropy planned in my honor at IU, shirts using my name to raise money for my hospital, ten edible arrangements, or three SweatyBands designs made for me I would have fallen to the floor laughing at how absurd that would be. The fact that all the above happened has changed so much about the way I view my relationships with others. I want everyone to feel as cherished and supported as I have.
In order to give back some of the love I have received I have decided to challenge myself to take enough time out of each day to let someone in my life know just how much they mean to me because I know first hand how a few kind words can change your whole day around for the better.
One last time, thank you everyone for all that you you have done and all that you have said. Your words, gifts, and actions have made cancer more bearable and there is no way I would be able to get through all of this shit without you.
PL&FC
Cancer is Stupid 
I just cleaned Bryces room and had a very hard time removing the Go State Poster you made for her in her down and out times of rehab….I will save it and take to the next house as she has always cherished your inspiration…. so just as you kicked ass at State you will do it to that cancer.. love you.😙 from the Huebers
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Katie, you are amazing. I have always been very proud of you. Everyday since your diagnosis is ALL, we have been privileged to witness how loved you are. This is a testament to you my dear. Whatever your secret to friendship and love is,, just keep on spreading the Love. We love your spirit. I thank all your friends for the love and energy they have given you.
Love to you,
Gma
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Our Dearest Katie is our blessing.
We are all cheering you on; picking you up when you stumble or are just too tired, and keeping you in our prayers.
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Hi Katie – My name is Dan Waugh. I work at GE Aviation and I live in Liberty Township. I grew up here in Cincinnati. Today I was talking with George Lawson about a possible future position at GE and he told me about you. We got to talking about you because I told him that this year, from March 20-May 29 I am one of 11 candidates across Cincinnati running for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Man of the Year campaign. I have been supporting the LLS over the past 6 years and this year I committed to myself and blood cancer patients everywhere that I would do everything in my power to help. During my involvement in this campaign, I have built a network within the local LLS chapter and am reaching out to offer my help and support for anything you may need, above and beyond the great support you are already receiving! That’s all…if I can be of help in any way, just holler and I will be there! My fundraising goal for my campaign is to raise $120,000. I am passionate about this and I want you to know I am busting my butt to help YOU and everyone else who has to go through this. I am very hopeful I can make a difference and I have a great team and network supporting me through this. Please if you ever need anything or just need another person to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out!!! I included my contact info in this post. And if you need any added motivation, check out my fundraising website – you’ll see an outpouring of people who are supporting!!! 🙂
http://www.mwoy.org/pages/soh/cincy15/dwaugh
GOD BLESS!!
Dan
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Dan, thanks for the kind and awesome words, encouragement and commitment. Keep pushing and doing what you do, great to see the network and community stepping up.
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