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Sara Kate Styling

My Fight With Cancer

Top: A’Gaci // Jeans: H&M // Necklaces: Frill and Moon & Lola via Frill
 Watch: Michael Kors (similar) // Bracelet: Stella & Dot

Last week, I mentioned that I’d had the great pleasure of speaking at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk Raleigh kick off event. When I mentioned that, a couple of you asked about my journey with cancer, so I figure we’d get a little personal on the blog today and I’d share my LLS bio. Obviously, my fight with cancer was fairly long, but this bio gives a great summary of my diagnosis, treatment and experience.

~

It was just three days before my sixth birthday that my
parents received a call from my Kindergarten teacher saying, “You need to take
your daughter to the doctor and get blood tests done immediately.”

For weeks, the symptoms had begun to show – flu like
symptoms, unexplained bruises, all the typical stuff – but doctors had yet to
put the dots together. Instead they would look me over and say, “it’s just one
of those things that kids get.” They prescribed antibiotics and assured us that
whatever it was would be gone in no time. It was my Kindergarten teacher, whose
sister had recently been diagnosed with Leukemia, that recognized the signs and
figured it out.

Sure enough, the day my teacher called was the day I was diagnosed
with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. I was treated for two years and two months and
underwent five rounds of chemotherapy. It was a long fight, but the support
that I received from my family, friends and doctors was truly amazing.

In May of 1999 I was told that I was in complete remission
and I have been cancer free ever since! This year marks my 16th anniversary of
my full remission diagnosis! I celebrate my life by helping others with their
fight. I strive to empower those that are experiencing cancer first-hand by
promoting organizations like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The cancer
awareness, education and research that are funded through Light the Night Walk
is vital to the continued goal of having a cancer free world. I am so honored
to be here today and to be one of the 2015 Honored Heroes! Please join me in
this fight so we can continue to save lives!

~
Want to hear more about my story? Start a team in NC and I will come speak at your kick off event!
Like I said previously, if you want to join my walk team, you can sign up here! {Select “Join a team” and type our team name “Team Hope and Laughter”} Or, if you would rather just make a contribution to the cause, you can show your support by donating here!
Thank you for all of your continued support, loves!

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Comments

  3. Kate,

    Thank you so much for sharing such a personal journey with us. I'm so happy and thankful to have met you and that we've become such quick friends! I love that you do so much to still be involved and to spread so much awareness and positivity to those needing it. Can't wait to see you Friday!

    x Sarah
    http://www.bohochiccafe.com

    Reply

  9. You're so brave for going through all that and then being able to openly share your story with everyone. Congratulations on being cancer free for 16 years! I hope you get to celebrate many, many more anniversaries of being cancer free!

    Mili

    Reply

  17. Wow, that's a really incredible story. I'm sure your teacher at the time will always have a special place in your mind.

    It's also incredible to see you out there, giving back <3

    Congratulations on 16 years cancer free!

    Jackie
    Something About That

    Reply

  18. Sara, you touched my heart and made me tear up. Thank you for sharing your story. I too, have an blood disorder that is related to blood cancer so this is very close to my heart. Thank YOU for sharing light and being such an inspiration!!! Sending you all my love, and many prayers.
    XOXO, Vanessa
    http://www.WhatWouldVWear.net

    Reply