Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Kate Alexander. I am an Atlanta native, wife to my sweet husband, daughter to my loving parents, a full-time investment banker, and a cancer survivor… but my favorite title of all is Mom to my precious daughter.

In August 2020, I was diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer. My golf ball-sized tumor was discovered during a colonoscopy, and I had surgery eight days later to remove the mass. The pathology reports indicated no signs of spreading and the surrounding lymph nodes were clear, so my medical team agreed that I required no further treatment. My diagnosis came as a complete shock because I was a healthy 32-year-old woman with no family history of colon cancer. The Northside Cancer Genetics Program later identified that I have MUTYH-associated polyposis, a genetic disorder that predisposes me to increased risk for colorectal cancer.

The week between my diagnosis and surgery was a whirlwind filled with fear, despair, shock, and confusion. I credit my medical team for encouraging me to take charge of my diagnosis and learn as much as possible so that I could be my own best advocate. It took a long time to unpack the trauma that unfolded in such a short period. With my genetic condition, routine surveillance will always be a big part of my life. My medical team closely monitors my health which gives me so much peace of mind, especially since I have a young child at home. Colonoscopies and endoscopies aren’t pleasant, but I like to joke that it’s the best nap in town!

The continuity of care across the Northside network is truly exceptional. As a patient and now survivor, the level of communication between all my doctors is nothing short of extraordinary. To go from a cancer patient to a new mom in thirteen months was a miracle I never could have dreamed of!

I spent about a week in the hospital recovering from my surgery. Unfortunately, visitors were not allowed because of the pandemic. It was such a lonely, isolating, and scary time. I deeply missed my family and friends, but my doctors and nurses made me feel so cared for and loved. I got a little stronger each day and every small milestone was celebrated. I was honestly nervous to go home, but the team helped me rebuild my confidence and encouraged me to keep fighting for my health every single day.

I feel deeply compelled to give back to the hospital that gave me so much. I was born here, I was treated for cancer here, I gave birth to a perfect baby girl here. I am forever grateful to the entire Northside team, and I hope that my family will continue to support the Foundation for many years to come.

I like to say that getting cancer was one of the greatest things to happen to me. It was an invaluable lesson in compassion and humility. On the surface I looked like a happy and healthy young woman, but quietly I carried such a burden. It reminded me to spread kindness and treat others with empathy and respect; you never know what silent struggles others may bear. My priorities shifted instantly. Now my family and my health will always come first. I also realize that I am one of the lucky ones. I feel a deep responsibility to spread awareness about this disease and support the hospital that gave me a second chance.

Have hope. Give yourself the grace to grieve. Fight for yourself. Let your village love you and support you. Make sure your caretakers are also cared for; they carry an untold burden too. Take it one day at a time and celebrate every little victory along the way.