Fite Cancer Foundation (FCF) is recognized as tax exempt pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (EIN 93-3257886). Programs and services are made possible through contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations. We are dedicated to funding cancer research and supporting those impacted by cancer - NO MATTER THE CANCER COLOR!
On August 17, 2017, I returned a phone call to my physician’s office with confidence and a smile on my face because this call would finally end concerns and speculations that a recent mammogram showed possibility of cancer. On this day, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, at the age of 38.
At the time of diagnosis, there was instantaneous fear – and – of course the most obvious questions crowded my concentration. Sadly, my questions would remain unanswered until completion of additional testing, which, at the time, wasn’t scheduled for two weeks. The absence of such critical information fueled hopelessness and left me to cope with the most intimate question – Will I Survive?
I immediately called my twin sister and informed her of the cancer diagnosis that had suddenly……changed…my…life. My sister, a medical assistant at a cancer center in California, has a long history of working with oncologists and caring for cancer patients – an experience that has proved valuable in so many ways. While she has a concentrated awareness of treatment options and a strong ability to penetrate a since of calmness (I knew she too was privately scared), but instead of showing vulnerability, she remained calm and instructed me to conference call my physician’s office. Without hesitation, we notified my medical team of her unrestricted access to all medical information pertaining to my cancer diagnosis. And…at that very moment, I realized that I was not alone in this journey – instead my sister and I would fight this invasion – Together.
Our mother, Marilyn Fite, was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer on March 9, 1999, at age 40. Triple Negative Breast Cancer differs from other types of invasive breast cancer because it's a more aggressive type of tumor with a faster growth rate, a higher risk of metastasis and a higher risk of recurrence. The plan was to treat the cancer aggressively.
Aggressive treatment was at the cornerstone of our journey, and although the visible signs of treatment were heartbreaking, and the side-effects were unforgiving, she never abandoned her treatment plans. Our mother was courageous and her love for us was unconditional. After several surgeries and many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, scans confirmed the cancer was in remission - until 2001.
Our mother remained faithful during her cancer journey, but on September 14, 2005, her oncologist recommended hospice care and estimated her life would end within two weeks. The news was beyond devastating and the intensity of connecting hospice care with death brought about an emotional sadness that suffocated me with intent. She passed away ten days later - never knowing the end of her life was near.
She fought the good fight. She finished the race. She kept the faith.
Love always, Kareama and Katrina
I am a cancer survivor. I think it's important that we join together and try to fight for a cure for cancer. I am so happy and so proud to be here. - Marilyn Fite (The Bakersfield Californian, 2005)