Katie Baber’s story is one of strength, hope, and perseverance. At 17, she noticed swollen glands and was initially misdiagnosed with glandular fever. It wasn’t until a trip to A&E with a severely swollen neck that she received the shocking news: she had Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer. Despite the devastating blow and undergoing treatment alone due to Covid-19 restrictions, Katie, from Merthyr Tydfil, remained determined.
Her journey wasn’t easy, facing complications like sepsis along the way. But Katie’s grit saw her through, and she was cancer-free just before turning 18. Now, aged 22 and pursuing her dream of becoming a primary school teacher, she reflects on how the Teenage Cancer Trust supported her, making an isolating experience more bearable. “The nurses were amazing, and I’m forever thankful for their care,” she said.
Katie is now urging everyone to back vital cancer research. “Without it, I wouldn’t be here today,” Katie shared. She’s joined the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, highlighting the importance of continued support in discovering better treatments. “Every bit of support, no matter how small, can help save lives.”
As Katie embarks on her studies at Cardiff Metropolitan University, she’s encouraging others to get involved in the Stand Up To Cancer’s ‘Sweat Every Day in November Challenge’ to raise funds. “Cancer can hit anyone at any time; we must unite against it,” she emphasised.
With a positive outlook and her boyfriend Sam by her side, Katie is focused on living life to the fullest, advocating for young people to be aware: “If something feels off, get it checked. Cancer isn’t just an older person’s disease.” Her journey from misdiagnosis to recovery is inspiring people across Wales to take a stand against cancer, proving that together, we can progress towards more success stories like hers.
So, why not flex those fundraising muscles and join Katie in standing up to cancer? Your actions could make all the difference. 💪