From Caregiver to Survivor

Kate Sladek knows the absolute upheaval that comes with reversing roles, especially when it relates to a cancer journey.

"My role has flipped back and forth, and upside down,” she said about her journey over the past 13 years.?

From 2010 through 2019, Kate played the on-and-off role of caregiver to her husband, Brian, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. In the summer of 2019, that role reversed when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.?

At the time of Kate’s diagnosis, Brian was in the midst of a lengthy hospitalization during his fourth battle with blood cancer. Weeks later, on August 27, 2019, Brian died from sepsis.?

Kate was forced to shift roles once again.

“I went from hopeful caregiver to stunned patient…to devastated widow and overwhelmed solo parent.”

Many years ago, however, a silver lining began from the couple’s intertwined journeys.?

After Brian’s second diagnosis, the couple was introduced to Twist Out Cancer at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's annual meeting. Jenna Benn Shersher, TOC’s founder and CEO, was recognized as the organization’s Honored Hero and spoke at the event.?

That’s when Kate and Brian learned about exploring their journey through art via Twist Out Cancer’s Brushes with Cancer program, in its infancy at the time. Brian applied and became a 2013 Brushes with Cancer Inspiration.?

“What an experience it was for us!” Kate said. “The collaboration between the artists and inspirations, and beautiful expressions of people's stories—it was nothing we’d ever experienced.”?

And now, four years after Brian’s death and her own diagnosis, Kate is in remission and says she’s evolving within a new “phase of normalcy.”?

“I'm trying to honor Brian's memory each and every day, while enjoying the challenge of raising our busy, hilarious, nine-year-old twins…and finding a sense of comfort and healing in helping others experiencing similar hardships and heartbreak."

She’s also creating her own Brushes with Cancer experience with Artist, Mignon Dupepe. In 2023, Kate is one of 34 Inspirations participating in the open program.

“I'm blown away,” Kate said. “Mignon is an absolute gem. So intuitive, patient, kind and caring. I cannot wait to see her artwork! And the thoughtful follow-up from the Twist Out Cancer staff has shown just how passionate and dedicated they are to helping this process come to fruition.”