What happened, in summary

Katie was 12 weeks pregnant with her second child when she was diagnosed with neuroendocrine lung cancer in 2023. Running was one of her favorite activities, and she asked what the diagnosis would mean for that part of her life. She was told that she would probably never be able to run a marathon.

Katie delivered a healthy baby boy, Tommy. Three weeks later, she underwent a lobectomy that removed half of her left lung. Recovery required rebuilding strength one lap at a time, surrounded by other patients doing the same. Those quiet moments of mutual encouragement stayed with her.

At age 34, Katie returned to her long-held marathon goal. She and her sister Bridget ran the Paris Marathon for Team LUNGevity and raised $4,775 for lung-cancer research and support. During the race, she saw runners helping one another through pain and fatigue, reminding her of the support she had experienced after surgery. Completing the marathon became a marker of how much life remained possible after diagnosis and lobectomy.