An overdue update
It's been a long time since we last posted but it has been an extremely difficult and challenging 9 months. A lot has transpired and most times it was too difficult to update and when times were good we were all trying to soak up every minute.
At this time I just wanted to give you a brief update and call for you all to rally the love and light you have been sharing with kaytie all along her journey once more. After many months of fighting off infections, undergoing chemo, multiple ICU stays and so many other challenging things, Kayties sarcoma has returned, making her ineligible for a bone marrow transplant and surgery to remove the sarcoma too risky. The doctors informed us that they have exhausted all options. This past week Kaytie was admitted to the hospital for severe body pain and after many tests the conclusion is that it is due to the tumors and leukemia returning. She was in such awful pain without a treatment available so on Monday we had to make the decision to place her on hospice. It has been more than heartbreaking.
She is unable to talk to text but she is able to hear us. Any messages of love will be happily shared with her. We are greatful and thankful for all your love and support.
Comments (75)
Dear Kaytie, I have always admired your unbreakable spirit... from fun antics on the playground and standing up for what you believed when we were just kids, to your kind letters I always looked forward to when we moved away to your journey following your dreams in the arts. You inspire me with your bravery and your heart! Much love to you and to your family. Love, Jenn Dore Flannelly
Kaytie O, may the angels watch over you, sweetheart ❤️ Your courage through this journey has been amazing! You are a bright spot for others with your unwavering enthusiasm, even during your darkest days. Praying for a miracle. If anyone deserves a miracle, it’s you! I am such a huge fan of you and love you so very much! Hoping and praying for good news in the days to come. Love, Betsy
Kaytie-O! Sending so much love to you from Nittany Lion country. We hope you can feel our good vibes and love within you during this difficult time! You are such a wonderful light, a beautiful voice and an even more beautiful person! We love you and think of you often and will continue to do so!!! Nittany Lions forever! Love, The Petullas- Stephanie (Mociun- Class of ‘99), Craig and Carter
Oh my goodness. My heart is with you, Kaytie.
I lo you Kaytie 💜
Thinking of you and your family. You are one of the most courageous people. Your blog is such inspiration. I continue to pray for good news any day now. Positive thoughts and prayers sent your way! Best Wishes, Hope Stein
I love you so much Kaytie 💜
Kaytie, I have been praying for you at synagogue this whole year. I miss you terribly this holiday season, and chorus is not the same without you. We will be singing for you this weekend. Love, Shoshana
kaytie is a true, bright light in this world that can NEVER be diminished. The courage, strength and humor you have shown and shared with us the past few years is beyond amazing. I am honored to be your loving friend. I love you to the moon and back. Feel all the love surrounding you my sweet friend.
Kaytie you have made such an impact on so many people, whether they met you in person or just heard your beautiful voice. We love you and we have felt your love. You are leaving a Kaytie shaped dent on all our hearts and we are better for that imprint you have left us. I love you Kaytie. Xx
Dearest Kaytie, I have been thinking about you a lot lately. You are such an amazing person; your heart is bigger than the Grand Canyon. I am praying for peace for you right now. For calm. For rest. I l will continue thinking about you for the rest of my life. Thank you for blessing my life and the lives of so many others, Kaytie. I love you.
This is Lindsay Armour (Jess Downey’s sister). I’m so incredibly sorry and I’m thinking about all of you. To Kaytie, I am so thankful I got to hear you speak at that Real Woman event. Your words changed me. Your message, your passion, the life experiences you shared made a huge impact on me. I will always carry that with me. Thank you. sending so much love, Lindsay
Dear Pasha, you are so loved and have been and continue to be an inspiration to me. There is truly no one like you! I wish I lived closer to give you a hug and sing some Les Mis or Celine with you. I think of you so often even when I have not reached out. I hate that you are going through this and you deserve a miracle. Kisses, hugs and hugs and kisses! Christina xo
Thank you Kaytie for being part of our Lee Road family. We are so blessed to have known you. What an example you have been for all of us. You light up our lives with your love, courage and delightful sense of humor. May the angels be with you now in your journey to freedom from this horrible disease and pain. You will be whole again. We love you. Linda Breckenridge.
More love and hugs! God bless you! So blessed to have known you and have made memories with you. My heart aches.
Kaytie, my dear! I am with you as all your dear friends are with you in Spirit and in Love. Tomorrow, I'm heading up to my dear sacred space in upstate New York, spiritual retreat site that I've been visiting for about 40 years. This is a place where I will be offering very focused prayers and love for you--- through my practices and meditations and all my activities. From my heart to your heart--- I love you! xo, Walker
My dearest Kaytie, I am so grateful and honored that I got to experience your beautiful generous empathetic spirit on the daily for so long. You have been there for so many people through your friendship and artistry. The butterfly effect of your love and compassion will resonate for eons to come. Your strength knows no bounds and there is no one ginchier! I love you forever and always! -rona
Kaytie, I have been thinking of you and I am sending you so much love. You have always brought so much love and warmth. Holding you in my heart. Love, Aliza
Kaytie, You have touched so many people with your courage, your love of music and your beauty. I wish for you peace and healing. I am praying for you and your family Kathy Speelhoffer
Dearest Songbird: You have been on my mind for several months now--hoping and praying for you. I was hoping for a good news blog from you or your family. From the time I met you at Geneen's retreat space in California years ago, to now, I have only known you to be the most beautiful person with the most amazing songbird voice. Now we have to "speak in silence", but in that silence, we hear many things including how much you mean to so many people, and how many lives you have touched throughout the years. You will be in my heart and soul forever.--Loads of love and hugs, Bonnie.
Dearest Kaytie. You have been and will continue to be such an inspiration and light for me. I cherish my memories in grad school with you and my adventure to Philly. Your amazing, beautiful, strong spirit is a gift to us all and a model of how to live in this world. Anyone who has been fortunate enough to know you has been blessed. I am sending bountiful hugs and love, and I wish you peace. Love, Jen Clark
Kaytie, You touch so many lives with your passion for life, strength and the honesty you show. Thank you for being a genuine heart. I pray for the comfort and peace you need. Michelle Christensen
Sister - thinking of you, especially as we approach the ginchy-est of all holidays. Right now in my mind, all of us sisters twirling in harmony as our dearest Rona plays the piano and we float to Muncie. Always remember these times and how much joy your beautiful voice and spirit brings to me to this day. You are in my daily thought and prayers, and as I watch my Alice twirl around the room and sing at the top of her lungs, I'll think of you more. Thank you for all your friendship, strength and love always, dearest Kaytie. I'm dreaming of a beautiful, peaceful White Christmas for you. Sending all the love in my body. xoxo Liz
Kaytie O- Sending lots of love and comfort to you and your family. I’m so blessed to have met you many years ago and am always grateful for your friendship. Like many on Facebook, I looked forward to your throwback pictures and the witty comments that accompanied them. Over the last few years, I’ve admired your strength and tenacity. You will continue to be in my thoughts you often are. Julie Anne
I love you and have been praying for peace & comfort for you Kate. Our friendship has always been one that though we may not talk often we could always come back together and catch up like it was yesterday and laugh remembering the adventures we shared in our younger years. We will see each other again one day and until that time I will miss you and cherish the memories we shared. July 18th will always be our special day. Love you my friend.
Kaytie, I can't begin to tell you how lucky I am to have known you for as long as I have--it's been decades. I've always considered you to be one of the kindest, most passionate and decent people I've ever known. You've touched more lives than most of us ever will, and your legacy will live on. My grandfather's highest compliment was always to consider someone "one of the good ones." And Kaytie, you're more than that. You're one of the best, and that's something rare in this world, and it should be cherished. Please know that my love and my family's love are with you and your family. All of us are blessed to have been lucky enough to take our trips around the sun with you. With love, Brian Freedman
My dear dear friend. Your friendship has been such a bright light in my life. I will cherish all of the laughter, joy and memories we shared together over all of these years. My wish for you now is peace and rest. You deserve to return to the lightness of being. I love you so much. Kirsten
I only knew you briefly, Kaytie, but you made such an impression on me -- from your extraordinary voice, which transfixed and transported me, to your exuberant presence, which welcomed me and made me feel at home and at ease. Your incredibly difficult journey with this fucking disease began not too long after we'd met. You have been and remain in my heart and in my prayers. I hope you feel the love from all the people you've touched and inspired in your amazing life. And now, I wish you peace, and freedom from pain and fighting, and love and comfort and joy and light -- so much light, dear, dear Kaytie.
Kaytie, My heart is breaking. I love you more than I can say. I always have. You had a way of making everyone around you feel special and heard and loved. You are a beautiful shining light in this world and to think of you in pain, for even a moment, is so incredibly unfair. I am hugging you so tightly from here and hearing your beautiful voice singing in my ear. I love you, Kaytie O
The world is a better and more beautiful place because of you, Kaytie. Love, Elizabeth Millard Whitman (Claire’s mom)
Kaytie, wrapping you with love and warmth. Your voice, your light, your kindness, and your spirit are so very bright and beautiful. Thinking of you and sending prayers. All my love, Laura Sweeney
Kaytie, we will continue to see your beautiful smile and positive energy all around us as we provide you love and light and help watch over our girl, Col. We love you and know we will forever miss our over the fence conversations! Love you, CC & Merry
Hi Kaytie, I am a friend of Adrienne's and we met some years ago at a party at Adrienne's house in CT. I remember we had a really fun time and I really enjoyed being in your company. You are so much fun - watch out Heaven! Sending you warmth, strength and light. I am sorry that you are going through this- you are such a beautiful spirit and you don't deserve to suffer. You are in the right place, surrounding by love. Know that angels are all around you and you are loved by so many. Wishing you peace - it is clear from reading the comments before mine that you are already an angel on this earth. Love to you, dearest Kaytie
Dear Kaytie, I have been thinking of you and am sending love and comfort. I am so grateful to have met you in college and often think about the senior spring break trip when your luggage was lost. You handled it with humor and made that a memorable trip. I will always think of you with a smile. Love, Joyce Carper
Dearest Kaytie, I am praying for you to find inner peace and comfort. May your suffering soon be over, and may you realize how much of an inspiration you have been to all who know you. Your positivity, strength and grace have been exemplary. I know you are especially blessed, and that you feel the love abounding from us all.
Sending you love and prayers. You are such a bright light. And will always be my beacon of light. Now and forever❣️🥰🙏
I'm thinking of you Kaytie- and of the beautiful scene you did in my class a couple of years ago from Spotlight. Your deep compassion in that scene and ability to listen to the pain of the other (character) held all of us rapt. May you experience some of that same compassion and understanding. Sending deep love. xoxo- Welker.
Kaytie, we are storming the heavens here in Newtown Square with prayers and spiritual bouquets by many people in the name of love and support of you and your family. God bless you all.
Dear Kaytie, I am thinking of you and your bright light and I know it will continue to shine for all whose lives you've touched. It has been a privilege to follow you on this difficult journey, as you've taught me what it means to have courage and spirit in the darkest of times. May you find comfort in the love that surrounds you right now. Love, Stef Stein Somerman
Katie, Your YMCA family is thinking about you and sending so much love and prayers. You touched so many lives and are such a positive force. Keep fighting. We love and miss you. Keep singing beautiful. Xoxoxox Zeffi and your Ambler Y family.
My dear, sweet Katja, the world has been a better, brighter, kinder, happier place with you in it. I am so lucky to have known you and to have grown up with you. I am so lucky to have seen your heart smile when we were kids. Your courage and heart have inspired me and so many others. I'll have the biggest hug for you when we meet again. You and your family are and have been in my prayers. May God's arms encircle you with love and never another painful moment. I love you so much and I wish you peace. Love, Daniella
My dearest Kaytie... I don't know what to say. My heart is breaking. You are so strong, and I am so selfish. Your light can not be contained, and your voice was made to sing out to the universe. I think back on our times together, you, me Ginger and NJ. Mostly I remember the unending laughter. And LOVE. There it is. That four letter word that we can't live without. And we won't. God Bless you, my dearest friend. You have always and will always be in my heart. Someday we'll find it The rainbow connection... The lovers, the dreamers and me La lala la lala la la la lala la la la
Hi Katie God loves you so much he got to watch your courage and your strength and your amazing light you are amazing voice will ring with the angels in heaven as it has here on earth thank you for teaching all of us to never give up on whatever We are trying to accomplish I love you
My wonderful Kaytie O. I have so much I want to say to you and find myself without the words to say it. I look back on my life and think of those people who left those indelible prints, just by being their amazing selves. And you are always at the top of that list for me. In those uncomfortable years of high school where I was doubting myself so often, you were always there as a shining light in the chorus room or when you would wait for me at the end of the English hallway to give me a daily Kaytie Hug. I will keep you in my heart always, and will be forever grateful to have had you in my life. Much love to you and your family.
It saddens me to read this update. You are an angel that was there for Brooke when she was in dire need. I am so thankful to you for all that you did for Brooke, Harrison, and I. Your actions meant the world to us and especially Brooke. She was always so worried about your well being and would of been there physically by your side. I know she is still with you in spirit as she is with us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. We love you and I will pray for your comfort and peace. G-d bless you.
Dear Kaytie, my dad told me today how hard things have gotten for you and then I saw this post. I wish you comfort and love. You have such a powerful community of friends and family around you and I hope you know how important your influence always was on me! I'd hear from my dad or Ted or your Uncle Joe what all you were up to! Wow, a singer! Wow, New York! Wow! I hope you know how much I admire you and always have. Peace to you. Love, Courtney
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sending huge hugs and lots of support as well. Much love.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I was truly hoping the contact we gave your family recently might have been the hope you all needed. I’m so sorry to hear all this. I will be praying for you.
I wish you all the light and peace there is to be had. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Becca Singer
Kaytie, some of my fondest memories from Williamstown have you in them. I have admired the strength from you and your family these past few years and will keep holding you all in my thoughts. Much love to you all! -Jenn Hedges
My sweet Kaytie.. I will treasure our last visit together always.. Was so thrilled for you to come to my apartment and spend a wonderful afternoon together.. You have held a special place in my heart for over 25 years.. I love all that you stand for.. So caring always about other people, your sweet, sweet smile and just your all around concern for all those you love.. I've been praying for you for years and feel so sad that things just haven't worked out for you.. You truly deserved a better outcome, for sure.. I love you Kaytie and your amazing family.. Peace be with you and your whole family..
Holding you in my heart Kaytie and thinking of your sweet smile that will always shine bright. Hugs and love to you and your family.
Kaytie, you are in my thoughts and in all our hearts. Your warmth and love light up all who know you. Sending you so much love and peace. Love, Daryl Freedman
Kaytie, our sisterhood is something I have always and will always cherish. My memories with you at Taffeta sisters and New York pals are so special to me. I'm sending you my prayers and love every day. I love you!
Sending the warmest and heartfelt prayers of comfort to Kaytie! You’re a fighter with a lot of people who love and support you! You’re awesome!
Dear Kaytie! Sending you all the Love and Light and Energy! You have left an incredible mark on this world, your kindness has shined from the very first moment I met you as an awkward sophomore trying to find his way on The UDHS stage. Your Heart, your voice, and your spirit will be a legacy! I will keep you in my heart and meditations and hope that peace and love can surround you and your family! Love and Light! Bobby McD
I can’t get you out of my head. Everyone above has said it and I say it again. You are a rare bird. Anyone who met you is blessed. Your energy and light spreads to everyone you encounter. I will continue to live my life by the incredible example you have put forth. You deserve so much more from life Kaytie. But for now, you deserve to rest and will be surrounded by love .
Kaytie thank you for always being the shining light in our family;you have shown us strength and hope in difficult times and love and joy in happy times. Our time is marked in our contributions and yours have spanned multiple lifetimes! Prayers and love are wrapped in a huge hug just for you! I love you to the moon and back!❤️🌙🌎🙏
Kaytie, We were so happy to have spent our special time with you 2 weeks ago. We will cherish those memories forever. We will always remember your times at our house making cookies, singing Christmas Carols and hanging out with all your friends. You have always been special to us. We love you very much and we know you will be sharing your smiles and your voice with the angels. Love John and Emelia.
Dear Kaytie, Your bright energy has been with me since we met. Your impact on my life has continued to affect me in expanding circles since our in-person time ended. Over the years you often come to me in a sweet memory or just a feeling of presence. Your kindness and softness and openness wisdom and humor and insight have helped me become the woman and creator I am today. You gave me a book that helped open my heart. You helped me deeply on my journey to trusting myself and being myself. Your Presence in unmatched and your bravery is for the ages I love you Taylor
Hey Taylor, what a beautiful kind and touching message. I have taken quite sometime to process things and I myself am on a journey of trying to get to my real self.(really missing the guidance from my Big sister Kaytie who was so good at that type of thing) would you be willing to share the name of the book so that I could read it? Email: [email protected] ❤️ Colleen (Kayties sister)
Sending all the love and hugs and prayers for comfort from Ari, Sarah, Sadie and Mischa - we are so blessed to have Kaytie live in our memories forever!
Love, Hugs, Prayers & Blessings Kaytie.... so Great to know you....Loved your work ethics at Omega.....PEACE in, Peace out. Mark S from the Dining Hall
Dear Kaytie, Glenn here. I feel very sorry that I haven’t been in touch with you the way many others have: I have long felt some deep despair in my heart about your health situation that I couldn’t shake, and could not deny. And yet, when Ellen contacted me yesterday to say that you are moving into the deepest mystery, and the place all of are going (and very few of us really know we are going...,) I burst into tears, in grief and inescapable sorrow. I have always experienced you as an extraordinary spirit — people say it again and again here. I suspect, as you move deeper and deeper into letting go completely, you will discover yourself as that spirit, but in some way beyond measure, it seems life has to be relinquished to find out we are eternity, and always were. And eternity is love, my dear Kaytie; nothing can harm what cannot die and it is the core and source of love...which is what you are. Thank you for so generously sharing some very deep parts of your journey with me; and sharing with such love that I will never forget you. You have gifted me with such vulnerability, such openness, such inspiration. Thank you, so very deeply Kaytie. I love you.
Glenn, that is the most beautiful tribute I have ever read and so true. Your words touched me deeply. Thank you.
This is from your “Cookie” grandmom - so glad I had the chance to spend time with you a few weeks ago. Blessed to have known you all of these years. You are in my prayers - Love Always, Grandmom Locco
Dear Kaytie, although I haven’t known you for most of our lives the time that I have known you has felt as though I have. You are one of the most amazing people that I have had the privilege to know. Your humor is beyond compare and your kind, warm-hearted spirit is inspiring. My heart aches for you and what you have had to endure for so long, it is just so unfair. I am thinking and praying for you always. I send you great big hugs and kisses. Love you Kaytie!! Xoxoxo. Dawn
Precious Kaytie... I am sending you and all those around you love and light. May you have peace and relief from the pain that you and all who love you are experiencing. I am wrapping you in the biggest embrace. I love you and your spirit. Thank you for bringing so much light into my world! xoxoxo Tasha
Kaytie, I'm so blessed to have known you and I'm so grateful for the love and support your family has always shown my family. We are praying for you and I know God is with you. Love, Annie Kelly
Dearest Kaytie. I have been thinking of you lately, at random times, and sending you so much love. Your spirit and grace, your brightness, and your kindness have always stood out to me since we met. I cherish our time at WTF together and our lunches since, and all the times we giggled together. I am grateful to know you, and I love you so, so much. Claire (forever your Twirty-Bird)
Kaytie, you are such a beautiful soul and even though we didn’t get to know each other well, you were always such a bright light in choir and such a pleasure to be around and i loved hearing you beautiful voice. I am so sorry you’re going through this and I want you to know that my heart is with you and your family at this time. Sending all my love. Dorie
Dear Kaytie, I am so blessed that I was able to meet you, You are a beautiful spirit, your spectacular voice will remain in my memory, such a Beautiful voice that I had the pleasure of hearing....The angels above will be thrilled to sing with you.......I pray that your pain has subsided, and you are resting peacefully. Sending my love & my prayers , peace be with you. Jackie Vosgerichian
Dear Kaytie, having read this post, I am flooded with feelings and questions...the biggest one being WHY. Your courage and candor on this long journey leaves me speechless. I'm sure you didn't enter this world wanting to be an inspiration, but that's what you have become. Your determination is humbling. How dare any of us ever complain! My only solace comes from believing that we human beings can't see the "whole picture", that your reward is yet to come. The love sent your way these past years from so any of us has been reflected back multifold by your willingness to share your path with us. With love, Layne
Dear Kaytie, You have always been a shining star. You have stayed strong throughout this and your fight and your drive have been admirable throughout. We need more people in the world like you. More people with your drive and fight. Your beautiful voice and wonderful heart will shine and be remembered by all who know you! Sending love and thoughts and wishing you peace and know that you will be well remembered and well-loved. I will always remember late nice chorus and play rehearsals and laughing and goofing off to pass the time!!! Keep smiling! Sincerely, Love Erica Tramuta-Drobnis!
I met Kaytie in San Francisco and always called her Kaytie Scarlett after the GWTW character. This past week I picked the book back up and watched part of the film again. This made me think of my sweet friend who was always SO optimistic and kind through all of her personal challenges. I’m so very saddened for Kaytie’s family and friends to learn that she has passed on. I imagined hearing her smile through texts and hearing all about her adventures from the time we last spoke. For her friends and family, I send hugs and hope even though I don’t know you. Thank you all for taking such great care of a person who has brightened many lives just by sharing her amazing spirit. Be well, Kaytie Scarlett.