Kathy's Story
In 2000, Kathy Van Riper, an active mother of two, was living the American dream in Sonoma County, California. But that ended abruptly in June of that year, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 30. Shocked by the discovery, her first concern was for her children and how to explain to them what was happening to their world.
Kathy and her husband, Marc, quickly learned that, while there were many support resources for cancer patients and even a few for spouses, there was almost nothing for the children of cancer patients. No place to find simple answers to difficult questions. No place to be with other kids who were going through similar experiences. No community to bring a sense of normalcy to their lives.
Rather than curse this void in their community, Kathy and Marc were inspired to form Kathy’s Camp for Kids, a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the needs of children of cancer patients.
Since her initial diagnosis and treatment, Kathy learned in 2003 that the cancer has spread to her liver. Despite an ongoing chemotherapy regimen, she continues to be an active mother to her children, now ages 8 and 11. A championship runner since she was a student at Sonoma Valley High School, she continues to run and participate in many local road races.
In spite of many setbacks, Kathy’s positive outlook, formidable spirit and selfless concern for the needs of children of other cancer patients has made her an inspiration to families throughout America.
Kathy's blogs
