Katie’s story,
At the beginning of March 2025 a thyroid nodule appeared overnight that measured 5cm by 3cm by 3cm large. It appeared cystic but the only option was to remove the left side of the thyroid where it was. I went in for surgery in the middle of April without insurance as this nodule was also making me very dizzy, weak, and unable to function well for work even. The left half was removed without issue and inter-operative pathology suggested it was cystic (only an 80% accuracy rate), but post-operative pathology determined it was papillary thyroid carcinoma (cancer). Diagnosed as stage 3 meant I had to go back in for surgery (again without insurance) to do a completion thyroidectomy 11 days after my first surgery.
Since the surgeries, the bills have continued to pile up as they found tissue they were concerned was additional thyroid cancer cells that I needed to have a biopsy done on twice (due to non-diagnostic results). Through this whole ordeal I have racked up tens of thousands in medical debt, but make too much for any meaningful payment plans. I’m stuck paying nearly $700+ a month which is now threatening to take away a place to live, transportation, and other basic necessities.
I have also yet to complete radioactive iodine and any additional the endocrinologists decide would be best for my health.
However, the plan is to help raise money for cancer research charities as soon as I am financially stable through my cycling challenges and adventures.