However, in June 2015, their daughter Kim was diagnosed with an invasive stage 2 Breast Cancer at the age of 35. Her mammogram the previous fall had been clean. A lump detected at home in June prompted another mammogram.
Genetic testing revealed Kim had high chances of both breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Kim underwent a double mastectomy/reconstructive surgery in July. Six weeks later, she underwent a second surgery to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes (which sent her into menopause).
Chemotherapy treatments lasted from September until January, totaling 16 treatments. Anybody who has been through chemotherapy or been alongside a loved one going through chemotherapy knows it is a grueling experience.
Kim is a daughter, sister, aunt, wife, and mother. Cancer doesn't affect just the patient, but the family as well. Kim credits her family and her doctors and nurses at the Stefanie Spielman Center with helping her through her cancer surgeries and treatments.
Kim is participating in the Step Up for Stefanie's Champions, raising money for Breast Cancer Research. There is also a Run/Walk coming up on Saturday April 23 in Columbus.
Visit Kim's Fundraising Page to read her story and to donate: http://www.supportohiostate.org/site/TR/Peer2Peer/JamesHonorandCelebration?px=1023983&pg=personal&fr_id=1200#.VruBObTseXI.facebook
Visit http://cancer.osu.edu/events/step-up-for-stefanies-champions-04-23-16 for more information on the April 23 Walk/Run Event.