Meet Kate and Her Family
Kate is a wife, a mother, and a fighter living with Stage IV breast cancer. She shares her life with her husband Steve and their three children, twin daughters Grace and Lily, and their son Stephen.
Her diagnosis came at just 28 years old, when her twins were four and her son was only two. What should have been a season filled with growing her family and building the life she had worked so hard for quickly shifted into something unimaginable.
Kate remembers feeling like she had finally reached a place where everything she had ever wanted was right in front of her, until cancer changed everything.
Her prognosis was devastating, and the weight of it was not just something she carried for herself, but for her children and her family. She described sobbing not only for her own life, but for the future her children might have to face without her.
Since then, life has revolved around cancer. Appointments, treatments, and uncertainty have become part of their everyday reality. Through it all, Kate has remained focused on one thing.
Creating memories. Because to her, memories are what will live on.
Their One Day to Remember
For their One Day to Remember, Kate and her family spent a full day together in Pittsburgh, filled with experiences that allowed them to simply enjoy being together.
They began their day at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, where they took a behind-the-scenes tour and had the chance to connect with animals in a way they never had before. One of Kate’s favorite moments was feeding the hippo, a memory that stood out as both unique and joyful.
After their time at the zoo, the family stopped for a treat at Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream, sharing something simple and sweet together.
They then spent time at Point State Park, where they took photos, enjoyed the fountain, and soaked in the moment as a family.
The day ended with dinner overlooking the city at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, a beautiful close to a day that felt both special and deeply meaningful.
Their memories were captured by photographer Dave, preserving moments that will last far beyond the day itself.
More Than Just One Day
For Kate, the most meaningful part of the experience was something simple yet powerful.
Being able to enjoy the day without fear of cancer.
She shared that one of the hardest parts of living with her diagnosis is not just the illness itself, but the constant awareness of it. The way it lingers in every plan, every moment, every thought.
This day gave her something different.
It gave her the chance to be present. To laugh. To experience joy without that weight.
She described feeling like she fell in love with her family all over again, surrounded by laughter, connection, and the beauty of simply being together.
Why This Day Mattered
For Kate, making memories is not just something she values. It is something she sees as part of her legacy.
She shared that memories are what will keep her alive in her children’s hearts forever.
This day was more than an outing. It was a chance to create something lasting. Something her children can carry with them no matter what the future holds.
She reflected on how deeply meaningful it was to feel so cared for throughout the experience. Every detail, every moment, every interaction made her family feel seen, valued, and supported.
She described the day as one where they were treated like royalty. A day where the stress faded and joy took its place.
Years later, she reflects on that day as one of many that helped shape her story. A reminder that even in the face of an incurable diagnosis, life can still be filled with meaning, connection, and love.
And perhaps most powerfully, she shared this truth.
That the legacy she leaves behind is not hers alone.
It belongs to everyone who helped create those moments.
At One Day to Remember, this is why we exist. To give families like Kate’s the opportunity to create memories that will outlive any illness and become part of a legacy that lasts forever.
“Making memories became the most important thing to me as a mother. It became a way to cope through this journey.
Because memories are what will keep me alive in my children’s hearts forever.
One Day to Remember gave us the opportunity not only to cross things off our bucket list, but to create memories that will last a lifetime.
It gave us another reminder that no matter what we face, our family’s love matters more than anything.
Because of One Day to Remember, treasured memories from a single day will outlive any disease or illness a family faces.
And that gift is priceless.”
- Kate