Katie Ann Duffin - 8/23/98 to 8/12/03

Katie was diagnosed at the age of 6 months with PNET (Primitive Neural Ecto Dermal Tumor). a cancerous golf-ball sized tumor located under her left shoulder.  Katie underwent surgery and chemotherapy treatments, and then again, more surgery.  Katie was doing well and things were going great until March 11, 2003 (almost 4 years to the day from the original diagnosis) when Katie was scheduled for a routine MRI.  The test revealed that the tumor had not only returned, but now had "fingers" growing from it.  Surgery and chemotherapy were again scheduled and now radiation.  Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, Katie started experiencing severe headaches and it was discovered that, sadly enough, the cancer found its way not only into the meninges (the layer of tissue that surrounds the brain), but also her spine.  Radiation continued but found not to be successful, as a CAT scan showed the tumor didn't shrink but continued to grow and spread.

On August 12, 2003, eleven days short of her 5th birthday, Katie passed away.  As most of you know, Katie was a beautiful, funny and full of life little girl who made everyone she met fall in love with her almost instantly - she had a gift that few of us have.  We all miss her very much and think about her every minute of every day.

Her family and friends wanted to find a way to keep Katie's memory alive while helping children and their families who are unfortunately faced with the reality of childhood cancer.  This is how "Katie's Krusaders" was born.  We will be holding events and fundraisers throughout the year for the purpose of helping families with sick children.  Please check back often for updated information on our happenings.    

To read about Katie and her remarkable fight against "The Blob", please visit  www.katieduffin.com

Thank You.