Originally from Hammond, Louisiana, Katherine Adams has lived in Gulfport for 10 years. She is a senior at St Patrick Catholic High School. She has a twin sister, Ella Adams, and is a strong believer in her Catholic faith.
MY HEALTH CHALLENGE
Around February 2024, I started to have chest and back pain. I thought I had pulled a muscle but went on with my daily life — playing soccer and tennis each day. At the end of April, it started becoming severe to the point that it hurt to walk and do normal things. My leg and a part of my lip started to develop weird stings and felt numb.
My parents were worried, so they brought me to an orthopedic doctor who ordered an MRI. Nothing could prepare me for the news that would come from that scan. They found a tumor on my spine and ribs. My parents checked me out of school on my last day of sophomore year to bring me to the Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.
I had several more tests and scans. I remember not being able to sleep on top of the pain and being terrified of all the results. The next day, a bunch of doctors entered my room and told us that I had Ewing sarcoma cancer and needed to be treated as soon as possible.
This news completely changed our lives and shocked us to the core. As always, my parents wanted the best for me, so they transported me to the best cancer center in the world: MD Anderson.
MY TREATMENT
Once I arrived there, I started chemo, which made me very sick. Every day, it would get harder to eat, sit up and even use the bathroom. I would stay in a dark hospital room for days at a time. I had to wear a neck brace, which made it extremely hard to sleep. I lost a bunch of weight and at one point could barely walk. I remember my nurse and mom having to hold me up while I walked around the room with a walker and feeling so helpless and weak.
The treatment took a toll on me. Knowing all my friends were doing the things I was supposed to be doing while I was in a hospital bed crushed me. I felt very disconnected from everything and everyone.
Meanwhile, my sister and friends created a group called “Kat’s Army.” They planned events to raise money and support me. Some may think Kat’s Army is just a group of girls helping their friend, but to me, it’s a lifeline. I will be forever grateful for all they have done.
MY APPROACH
While I was undergoing chemo, seven weeks of radiation in Houston were added to my treatment plan. This put my family in an awkward place. My mom stayed with me the whole time while my dad traveled back and forth, working when he could. My sister was still attending high school and staying at friends’ houses.
My mom and I stayed in a hotel connected to the hospital, so each day, we could walk over and get my treatment. A couple of friends visited us, and it was so nice to relax with them and take my mind off everything. Each visit boosted my outlook and attitude. My mom was there comforting me and making the best out of our situation.
THE BATTLE CONTINUES
After those seven weeks, we finally got to go home. It was so awesome to be back in our own house. I got to ring the bell when I was finished with treatments, and I was overjoyed and ready to resume my “normal life.”
I returned to school and started doing more activities. Life felt good again. Senior year was coming, and I was so excited to participate in all the fun senior activities. I was chosen homecoming queen and felt so honored to represent my high school.
Little did I know that two days later, I would find out the cancer had returned. I could not believe it at first. The last thing I wanted was go through the worst time of my life all over again, but I slowly accepted it. I started chemo again. Thankfully, I have fewer side effects this time and can do most of it at home.
LEANING ON FAITH
Today, I can go to school and do normal things while still undergoing chemo. I am looking forward to graduating soon and going to Ole Miss in the fall to become a nurse. I want to help others who are going through the same thing.
Throughout my journey, I have had a positive approach by leaning on my faith in God and on my community. I now appreciate the little things more deeply. I am thankful for the things I have learned and the people I have met. I love being able to show how my faith has gotten me through this!
WANT TO HELP?
The Never Quit Foundation will be supporting Katherine through its 30th annual Spiders’ Charity Golf Tournament, set for April 18 at Sunkist Country Club. Visit theneverquitfoundation.com for team registration, sponsorship and further details.
You also can follow Kat’s Army on Instagram: @KatherinesArmy