Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Shining a Spotlight on Our Staff

In December 2022, our Marketing Specialist, Kailey, was a sophomore in college heading home for Christmas break. After a 12-hour travel day, she had no idea what awaited her when she walked through the door.

Her mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Thankfully, it had been caught early, but the news was heartbreaking. Shortly after her diagnosis, her mother underwent surgery, then began treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation. In an instant, life looked different for Kailey and her family.

Despite the uncertainty at home, Kailey returned to school in January to begin her winter semester and prepare for division I lacrosse preseason. Being 12 hours away from home meant navigating college life while constantly wondering how things were going back home. Every day brought a new set of emotions. Some days felt manageable, while others were incredibly difficult. The journey was an emotional roller coaster, and learning to balance school, athletics, and the worry of having a loved one going through cancer treatment was a challenge she had never anticipated.

After a year and a half of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments, her mother successfully beat cancer. While reaching the other side of treatment brought immense relief, the experience left a lasting impact on Kailey and her family.

Turning a Personal Experience Into a Purpose

Breast cancer has deeply affected Kailey's family. Both of her grandmothers, her great-aunt, and her mother have all faced the disease. Today, she feels incredibly fortunate to say that each of them has beaten cancer.

Knowing how deeply breast cancer had affected the people she loved, Kailey wanted to find a way to turn a difficult experience into something positive. She didn't want to ignore the impact it had on her family. Instead, she wanted to make a difference for others facing similar challenges.

During her junior year of college, Kailey dedicated her spring 2024 lacrosse season to fundraising for the American Cancer Society, setting a goal of raising $2,400. After graduating in May 2025, she could no longer combine fundraising with her collegiate sport, so she began looking for a new way to continue giving back.

In October 2025, she reached out to the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation in Chicago. She shared her mother's story and expressed how much she wanted to get involved in the fight against breast cancer.

She was thrilled when the foundation responded. By January, Kailey had been accepted to run the Chicago Marathon as part of its charity team.

From Never a Natural Runner to Marathon Finisher

Taking on a marathon was not an obvious next step for Kailey. Despite her athletic background, running had never come naturally to her. She was born with significant asthma, which presented challenges throughout her childhood and athletic career.

Still, she knew a marathon would be a challenge worth taking on.

Kailey began training over Memorial Day weekend, dedicating the next five months to preparing for race day. Early Saturday morning runs became part of her routine, and week by week, she worked toward a goal that once felt almost unimaginable. It was a sacrifice she was more than willing to make for a cause that meant so much to her.

On October 11, 2026, Kailey crossed the finish line of the Chicago Marathon, completing her first World Marathon Major.

Running for a cause so closely connected to her family's story was an experience she once could never have imagined. What had begun as one of the most difficult chapters of her life had become an opportunity to give back, raise awareness, and help support others affected by breast cancer.

Crossing the finish line was a dream come true, made possible by the encouragement and support of her family, friends, and everyone who stood behind her throughout the journey.

And she didn't just meet her fundraising goal. Kailey exceeded it, raising $2,777 for the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation.

A Reminder of Why Giving Back Matters

At Peace at Homecare, we believe that the people who make up our team are what make our organization special. Their experiences, passions, and commitment to helping others extend far beyond the work they do each day.

Kailey's story is a reminder that even the most difficult experiences can inspire us to make a difference. Her journey reflects the power of perseverance, the importance of a strong support system, and the impact one person can make when they turn something deeply personal into a purpose.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are proud to shine a spotlight on Kailey and her commitment to supporting the fight against breast cancer. We celebrate her accomplishment, honor the strength of her family, and recognize everyone whose lives have been touched by this disease.

Because behind every cause is a story, and sometimes, sharing that story is where making a difference begins.