Palmerston: Single mother Kaitlyn Williams battles breast cancer

A resilient Palmerston mother is determined to defeat her stage three breast cancer diagnosis, but she’ll need support from the community she loves. Read her story.

Kaitlyn Williams with her two children Abigail and Elijah. Picture: Supplied

A Palmerston mother’s life turned upside down when she discovered a small lump in her breast in June last year.

Kaitlyn Williams, a 34-year-old single mother to two children, aged 8 and 5, was doing what many women cautious of breast cancer are advised to do.

“I would do regular checks of my breast,” Ms Williams said.

“This lump grew out of nowhere really fast.”

By the time Ms Williams had gone through the usual diagnosis route for the lump, involving a visit to her doctor, an ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy, the 1cm lump had grown to 5cm wide.

The diagnosis followed in August, confirming she has stage three breast cancer.

“Once I received the diagnosis I went straight into chemotherapy,” she said.

“It was all so quick; first I lost my hair.

Ms Williams remains positive — determined to defeat her diagnosis. Picture: Supplied

“Next I started to lose my independence through the illness and (need for) constant medical attention.”

Ms Williams said it was this loss which was the hardest to bear.

“Being a single mum, my independence is what I relied on,” she said.

“Single mums are always expected to be resilient and get on with it — it’s been really hard for me to step back and say ‘I need help’.”

Ms Williams said she’s finally learned to ask for help. Picture: Supplied

Ms Williams has no family in the Territory to support her, but has gotten by through the generosity of her children’s school community.

“The mums and dads have been really helpful,” she said.

“They have reached out and brought meals over, or offered to look after the kids and help around the house.”

The biggest burden for Ms Williams is the growing cost of living and the debt that continues to accumulate.

“I’ve always worked hard,” she said.

“I’d just gotten a permanent job with City of Palmerston council, but I can no longer work in this condition.”

Ms Williams requires constant medical attention due to the severity of the cancer. Picture: Supplied

Ms Williams has turned to the community she loves for support, starting a GoFundMe page to raise vital cash for her and her family.

“I’m reaching out during one of the most challenging times in our life as I battle stage three breast cancer,” she wrote on the page.

“The financial stress of trying to keep up with everyday expenses, on top of medical costs, has become overwhelming.

“I’m raising funds to help cover our living expenses, ongoing medical costs, and to ensure my children are supported while I focus on healing.

“Every donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference to our family during this tough time.”

Ms Williams will go into surgery on Monday, receiving a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction, as well as the lymph node in her left arm being removed.

“The road ahead is still long, but I’m determined to keep fighting for myself and my children,” Ms Williams said.

To find out more and to donate go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-kaitlyn-and-her-family-through-a-breast-cancer-journey 

Originally published as Palmerston: Single mother Kaitlyn Williams battles breast cancer