Novi Family Raises Awareness for Breast Cancer
NOVI — It’s often said that some things just hit too close to home, and for one local family, that couldn’t be more true. When Novi police officer Adam McGee and his wife, Katie, faced a shocking breast cancer diagnosis just days before Katie’s 35th birthday, their world changed in an instant. But this isn’t just a story of struggle; it’s a tale of hope, community, and sheer determination.
Celebrating Life, Then a Diagnosis
The McGee family welcomed their youngest member, Penny, on May 30. The arrival of their baby girl should have been a time of pure joy without a thought to health concerns. “Breast cancer wasn’t on my radar at all,” Katie explained. “We don’t have a family history, and I thought I was doing everything right — I had my sons before 28 and breastfed them all, including Penny.”
However, three months later, a friend’s story about a mother diagnosed with breast cancer after her third child sparked a moment of self-reflection for Katie. “It just stayed in my mind,” she said. One evening, while nursing Penny, she conducted a self-exam and felt something unusual. “It was like my hand went right to it, almost instinctively,” she recalled.
Finding the Courage to Act
Despite Adam’s calm reassurance that it might just be a clogged duct, Katie followed her instincts and scheduled an appointment with her doctor. A series of tests, including a mammogram and a biopsy, revealed the devastating news: Katie had triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), making up only 10-15% of all breast cancer cases.
“I was floored,” Katie admitted. Faced with this aggressive cancer type, which is often more common in women under 40, Katie knew she had to make her voice heard. “I credit that friend’s story with finding my lump. If I hadn’t heard it, I might not have checked myself,” she said. “I feel like I was naive to think it could never happen to me.”
A Critical Call for Awareness
Dr. Anna Lehrberg, a breast surgeon, further emphasized the importance of awareness. “Recent childbirth can significantly elevate the risk of breast cancer in the first few years postpartum, particularly in women over 35.” The concept of breast cancer affecting younger women is gaining attention, yet the guidelines for mammograms are still set at 40 years old for average-risk women.
“There’s a ton of awareness for breast cancer, but that mostly revolves around older women,” Adam reflected. “Katie’s experience is a reality check. Why are we waiting until 40?”
Families Rally Together
As the McGee family navigates the challenging waters of treatment, they have been overwhelmed by the support of their community. Adam has switched to a day shift to be there for Katie and their kids, Theo, 7, and Cooper, 4. Meanwhile, Katie is currently undergoing 20 weeks of chemotherapy before her planned double mastectomy in March.
Thanks to neighbors and friends, resources have poured in! One neighbor’s donation of breastmilk to replace what Katie can no longer provide has been particularly touching. “It was the hardest part of all of this, but their support has helped heal that wound,” she expressed. “Our little street has really stepped up.”
Turning Tragedy into Triumph
Katie is advocating for early testing, encouraging others not to wait, especially women with family histories. She wants to change the narrative about breast cancer and put her story in the spotlight to save lives. “What I’m going through is awful, but I hope that by sharing, others can catch it early,” she said.
To assist with mounting medical expenses, Sgt. Jon Jacob created a GoFundMe page. As of now, over $18,000 has been raised, but the journey continues. “We take care of each other as a family,” Jacob said. “When one of us faces a tough time, the others are always there.”
In Conclusion
As the McGee family faces uncertainty, they remain focused on joy amidst the chaos. “It’s about celebrating the little moments,” Katie said, sharing her gratitude for community support. This brave family reminds us all that early detection and spreading awareness can make a world of difference. So, let’s rally together and make sure every woman knows: awareness at any age is crucial — your health matters!
