Community Rallies to Support Novi Family Facing Breast Cancer Battle

Community Rallies Around Novi Family Battling Breast Cancer

In the vibrant city of Novi, a local family is shining a light on a critical issue concerning breast cancer awareness. This is not just another health story; it’s a deeply personal journey of Officer Adam McGee and his wife, Katie, as they navigate the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis that came as a shock just before Katie’s 35th birthday.

Picture this: the normally bustling McGee household, recently expanded with the arrival of their third child, little Penny, born just a few months earlier on May 30. With two other children, Theo, 7, and Cooper, 4, life was all about diapers, playdates, and family joy. The last thing on Katie’s mind was breast cancer. “It wasn’t even on my radar,” she recalls, with disbelief still evident in her tone. The couple had no family history of cancer, and Katie had thought she was doing everything right to prevent it.

The Unexpected Discovery

Three months post-Penny’s birth, however, something shifted. A friend’s story about a woman developing breast cancer after childbirth lingered in Katie’s thoughts. Prompted by this, she performed a self-exam while nursing Penny and was struck with alarm when she discovered a lump. “My hand went to it like a magnet,” she shared. Despite her husband’s initial reassurance that it could be something harmless, Katie’s instinct told her otherwise.

After scheduling a visit to her doctor, the news nobody ever wants to hear came—she had triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a form that is relatively rare but notably aggressive, affecting younger women more frequently. “Floored” is how Katie described her reaction upon receiving the diagnosis. It was a turning point for her, strengthening her vow to educate others about the realities of breast cancer.

Understanding the Risks

According to Anna Lehrberg, a breast surgeon, triple-negative breast cancer constitutes about 10%-15% of all breast cancer cases, with its aggressiveness presenting significant challenges. She pointed out that TNBC is noted for having a poorer prognosis, particularly in younger women, with disparities seen among racial groups.

Despite the scare, Katie was fortunate to catch her cancer early, classified as stage 1. Thanks to her proactive approach, she is currently undergoing an intensive 20 weeks of chemotherapy followed by a double mastectomy in March. With each step she takes, Katie remains hopeful, determined, and vigilant—a journey supported by her family, friends, and community.

A Community Comes Together

It’s heartwarming to see the community rallying around the McGee family. Their neighbors have covered meals and even organized a cleaning service, easing Katie’s burden during chemotherapy. In addition, Katie’s parents have been a steady support, helping with childcare as she navigates her treatment schedule. “Our little street here has really stepped up to help, and it’s just been incredible,” Katie expressed, clearly overwhelmed with gratitude.

However, as many families in similar situations know, the financial ramifications can weigh heavily. Although the McGee family has health insurance, increasing medical costs pushed Sgt. Jon Jacob from the Fraternal Order of Police to set up a GoFundMe to assist the family, aiming to alleviate some of the monetary stress. As of December 10, they have successfully raised $18,575 but remain short of their $25,000 goal to cover treatments not fully covered by insurance—like acupuncture and nutritional services.

Raising Awareness

Through all of this, Katie is committed to promoting awareness regarding breast cancer, especially concerning women under 40. “You don’t have to be 40 to get this disease,” she insists, noting that discovering a lump early can save lives. “I hope my experience encourages others to get tested and not wait.”

For now, while Katie focuses on her health, Officer McGee continues his duties in the Novi police department. Both he and Katie are determined to share their story, with the hope that knowledge can empower others to take charge of their health and well-being.

In the face of adversity, the McGee family’s optimism serves as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of raising awareness about breast cancer. Together, they are on a journey of resilience, hope, and education.