Kristie's Memorial Fund for Cancer Kids

Kristie McFarling was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer in 2010 at the age of 31, which changed everything for her family. Yet not in the ways one might expect. It is true that she did undergo multiple surgeries, chemotherapies, radiation treatments and clinical trials for almost 8 years and ultimately succumbing in September of 2018. Which itself is a miracle, as the life expectancy for Stage IV is 20 months and she thrived for 8 years. She thrived What was truly changed was the trajectory of her life. Never the victim, Kristie’s heart and courage was on full display, while she poured her soul into her children, Thomas Jr and Ava. She volunteered for multiple cancer and children’s organizations, she lead reading groups at the local elementary school, created a Stage IV support group for women under 40, advocated for research for breast cancer, fought for safe routes to school for elementary and middle school students in her area, and generally LOVED everyone she met. Above all she valued education for all children.