Kathy is one of those ladies that you just instantly feel drawn too.  I knew her for several months before I had a clue that she was fighting a cancer battle.  She has an electric smile and the moment you see it, you want to get to know her.  She doesn't complain.  She's a pillar of strength, courage and faith. 

Kathy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003.  Almost 5 years later, in 2008, it recurred.  Her current diagnosis is Triple Negative Stage 4 Breast Cancer.  Currently the cancer is active in her bones and she's undergoing chemo. 

Kathy's husband, Ray, is the town barber and mayor.  Recently his wife sat down in his barber chair and he began shaving his wife's head because Kathy wasn't going to allow the chemo to make her hair fall out.  She would decide when and where her locks would fall to the ground.

Kathy has lived in Texas her entire life.  She and Ray have been married for 40 years.  They have two adult children.  Kathy worked at the local school as an aide, but once her kids were grown, she went back to school to be a teacher.  When she is able to teach, she teaches science to the 3rd - 6th grade.  Her impact on these children became evident a few months ago.  One night the youth of our church were asked to find a few adults that meant a lot to them.  They were instructed to go to them and tell them what that person has meant in their lives.  I was sitting next to Kathy.  I saw many young people in our church go to Kathy and express what she has meant to them.  Kathy kept looking at me and saying, "That's my kids." 

Kathy has grown to mean a lot to me too.  Her faith is strong, her outlook is good and she has blessed my life!