Kim McDonald

Kim's cancer journey began in January 2023 when she wasn't feeling well and visited her General Physician. Initially, her doctor suspected her symptoms were related to a thyroid condition or a possible recurrence of Clostridium Difficile. However, after weeks of testing, they discovered multiple tumors in her abdomen, lungs, and liver, raising concerns about cancer. In March, Kim was diagnosed with a rare, late-stage 4 ovarian cancer. She was transferred to UAB from NAMC, where she spent two weeks receiving treatment until she stabilized enough to begin chemotherapy.

After three rounds of chemo, Kim had surgery in June to remove any remaining tumors in her abdomen, but none were found. Following her recovery, she completed three more rounds of chemotherapy, and in October, she was declared in remission. Kim remained in remission until May 2024, when a tumor was discovered in her pelvic area, and the spots on her lungs began to grow again. She resumed chemotherapy, which has been effective in shrinking the tumor and slowing the growth in her lungs.

Kim continues to receive treatment every 3-4 weeks at UAB and feels incredibly blessed to have the support of her family, friends, church community, and the outstanding medical team at UAB. As her health allows, she cherishes time spent with her husband, Nelson, their three sons, their wives, and her four grandchildren.