Katherine D.

Katherine was diagnosed Dec 22,2004 with Acute Leukocytic Leukemia. She was admitted to Yale on the day of diagnosis. Within 24 hours our lives changed dramatically. She was seriously ill despite her outward energy and appearance. She began chemotherapy the next day and had a severe reaction which lead to respiratory failure.She was in ICU on a ventilator for 4 days. Despite these grave circumstances she required continued chemo to save her life. This is how our journey began. Katherine needed intensive chemo daily for the next three years. She endured countless blood transfusions and procedures. She tolerated all these injustices with her resilient, charming personality. Today, she is in remission for three years. She is a 1st grader at DFS. She enjoys bowling and mini golf and is the queen of crafting. She loves to play with her sister Emma and brother Matthew. We all survived this ordeal with the love and support of family, friends,and community.