Kate’s Fundraising Page

With every step we’re closer to a cure for cancer. That is my hope and my why in training for and running the Disney Princess Fairytale Challenge and fundraising for Dragon Master Initiative. Please help me reach my fundraising goal by August 19, 2025 in memory of my Mom, Rose Gehring, who passed away from brain cancer (glioblastoma) on this date 15 years ago. Every donation goes to Dragon Master Initiative, an organization dedicated to supporting those with cancer and uniting medical professionals with research and medical data from across the globe to help find cures quicker for patients affected by cancer.

Why I run for Team Fired Up - In memory of Rose Gehring

15 years ago, an aggressive cancer came out of nowhere and, in 21 short months, took my Mom from us and robbed her and those that knew and loved her of so much. Life would never be the same. 

Glioblastoma - the most aggressive and most common type of cancer that originates in the brain, and has a very poor prognosis for survival - a 5 year survival rate of 5%. 13,000 people per year pass away from this horrible disease.  Yet we don’t know much about it. Why do people get this cancer? How can we more effectively treat it? Why is it so aggressive? Are there genetic markers? Is it hereditary? And then really just...why did this happen to my loved one? 

I have asked these questions over and over these past 15 years. I know others affected by this horrible disease and other cancers ask themselves these same questions. I am hopeful that within my lifetime we have more answers to these questions.

I felt called to run the Disney Princess Fairytale Challenge, and now I think I know why. I believe the universe lead me to find Dragon Master Initiative, an organization dedicated to answering these questions through supporting data-driven cancer research. Dragon Master Initiative was started by another family who also lost a loved one to glioblastoma and were left trying to answer these same questions. Their efforts raise money to support other families affected by cancer and to help fund cancer research. 

It’s hard to believe it has been 15 years without my mom. She has missed so much - graduations, marriages, grand babies, travel, and countless little moments along the way. And I have missed her - her laugh, her hugs, her cooking, phone chats, and so much more. I honor her life by seeing the humanity in others, helping where I can, appreciating all of life's little moments, and living life to the fullest. (Yes, this includes my Disney obsession! Take the trip and make those memories!) So to mark her anniversary, focus my grief on something positive, and honor her life, I am challenging myself physically and mentally to run 19.3 miles (10K and Half Marathon) during the Disney Princess Fairytale Challenge, soaking in some Disney magic, fundraising for a cause I deeply believe in, and hopefully healing a piece of my heart through it all. ❤️

I appreciate any donation you would consider making. Please click the "Donate Now" button below. You’ll be helping me reach my fundraising goal while also helping other individuals and their loved ones affected by cancer. Thank you!!!

"When you die, that does not mean you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live."
-Stuart Scott

To learn more about Dragon Master Initiative, please visit https://dragonmaster.org/

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Senior year of college.

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Indians game. Reminds me that I thought my mom’s hair looked cute short when it grew back.

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My college graduation from Ashland University

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The last picture I have of Mom before she was diagnosed. So much change was coming in the next few months. But I cherish this picture so much and remember the big hug she gave me when I came home from studying abroad.

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I am thankful that between being diagnosed and her passing, my Mom did have a summer where she was well enough to travel. She had never been to DC before so we took a camping road trip, first stopping in Gettysburg and then on to DC. It was a great family trip and I’m thankful she was able to see DC!

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    Awarded 07/01/2025

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    Awarded 07/02/2025

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My Supporters

  • Valerie Woodward You've got this, Katie!! August 2025
  • Cliff Moore July 2025 $50.00
  • Debbie and Mark Blewitt Great cause! July 2025 $20.00
  • Terra Papile July 2025 $25.00
  • Marissa Pappas I was in awe of how you handled law school while navigating such a difficult loss. My heart broke for you and it is something I will never forget. I didn’t know your mom, but now that I am one, I know she would be incredibly proud of you. Both then and now.  July 2025 $50.00
  • Shawn Gehring July 2025 $250.00
  • Judy Steiner-Krajewski Thank you for raising funds to find a cure for this horrific disease Katie.  My Mom too died from glioblastoma when I was 25.  Good luck with your race! July 2025 $100.00
  • Brenda and Donny Basch We are so proud of you! A wonderful tribute to your mom, her memory and you carrying on her legacy! We love you!  July 2025 $100.00
  • Michelle Bisconti July 2025 $100.00
  • Beth Schlater What a great way to honor your mom and support cancer research. Good luck with the races! July 2025 $100.00