Supporting Catherine on Her Road to Recovery

Story

*This post will be updated with Catherine’s progression*

Friends & Family of Cat,

As many of you know, Catherine suffered a heart attack on May 22—and in true Cat fashion, she drove herself to the hospital. After she was admitted, doctors determined that the best course of treatment was bypass surgery, which she underwent on May 28. The surgery went well, and she is currently sedated and on a ventilator, with hopes of coming off both soon. Since then, many of you have already reached out to help and I know she is grateful.

To know her is to love her. You’ve laughed with her, cried with her, celebrated and leaned on her. She’s been the one who visited you in the hospital, made a meal when you needed it, or simply picked up the phone to check in. She’s family to so many and as she often says: “La famille, c’est sacré”—family is sacred.

Over the past several years, she has served as the Strategic Advisor for Community & Regional Affairs and Economic Development for Pierce County, in addition to her 15+ years as the Government Affairs Director for the Pierce County Association of Realtors. Most recently, she took on a contracting position with the Washington Policy Center.

We are currently reviewing her healthcare coverage, but know there will be many out-of-pocket costs—both while she remains in the hospital and as she transitions to rehabilitation.

Before her surgery, Catherine and I talked through a “battle plan” for the long road ahead. As you know, she’s a fighter, though she is also proud and never asks for anything—so it took her a full day to reluctantly agree to let this be set up. Funds raised will help cover her lost income, household expenses, Raven’s care, and any medical needs not covered by insurance. Every cent will go directly to Catherine.

Please consider donating what you can.

On behalf of Cat, Raven, and her family- THANK YOU!

With gratitude,
Susanna Keilman

Organizers :

Susanna Keilman is organizing this fundraiser.