When 16-year-old Kaitlyn Hutchins first began having knee pain, her family assumed it was just another sports injury.
As a dedicated cheerleader and volleyball player, Kaitlyn often pushed herself hard on the court. But when the pain grew constant and her knee buckled, her mom, Kim, took her to see specialists at Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville. There, an X-ray revealed something much more serious: osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer.
“It just didn’t feel real,” Kim said. “You hear the words, but your mind tells you, ‘That can’t be us.’”
From the very beginning, Kaitlyn approached her diagnosis with a sense of calm and determination. While her family struggled with shock and fear, their teen reassured them.
“She just kept saying, ‘It’s going to be fine. I’m going to be fine,’” Kim said.
A journey through treatment
The initial months of treatment at Norton Children’s Cancer Institute brought biopsies, surgery and chemotherapy. Along the way, Kaitlyn faced complications, including blood clots and kidney challenges. For Kim, who works in health care at Norton Audubon Hospital, her clinical background brought both knowledge and anxiety surrounding her daughter’s condition.
“I knew what to look for, but sometimes I wished I didn’t know so much, because it made everything scarier,” she said.
Through everything, Kaitlyn’s care team at Norton Children’s Cancer Institute became like family. The nurses in the Addison Jo Blair Cancer Care Center, also known as 7 West, at Norton Children’s Hospital, offered not only expertise in medical care but also daily encouragement, laughter and friendship.
“They’re not just nurses anymore; they’re our friends,” Kim said.
Kaitlyn even asked if she could return to 7 West for another surgery, just so she could be near the team. Her pediatric oncologist, Kerry K. McGowan, M.D., of Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, was always compassionate, thorough and proactive as well, according to Kim.
When Kaitlyn’s kidneys showed signs of strain during treatment, Dr. McGowan quickly adjusted her treatment plan and ordered scans early to ease Kim’s fears.
“She isn’t just there for Kaitlyn; she’s there for me, too,” Kim said. “She makes us feel like we’re part of the decisions.”
Keeping the hope
Despite missing much of her junior year at Fairdale High School in Louisville, Kaitlyn hasn’t let cancer steal her milestones. She celebrated her 16th birthday, attended her class ring ceremony and set new goals with each stage of treatment.
“It’s the goals that kept us going,” Kim said. “First it was her birthday, then Christmas and then ringing the bell [to mark the end of chemotherapy treatment]. Now her next goal is to graduate high school and become a nurse.”
Kaitlyn’s career aspirations are personal: She hopes to become a pediatric oncology nurse and return to the same unit that cared for her.
Inspired by the compassion she received from her nurses, she wants to be the same source of comfort and courage for other kids.
“She says, ‘I want to be able to tell them, you don’t have to be scared. I’ve been through this too,’” Kim said.
The power of community support
Kim emphasizes how much support the family has received from Norton Children’s and her work community at Norton Audubon Hospital. Co-workers delivered flowers and gift cards and offered flexible scheduling. Norton Healthcare’s employee and patient support programs helped with groceries and gas. Most of all, the daily kindness of the nurses and staff gave the family strength.
“I don’t think they realize the impact they have,” Kim said. “They’re changing families’ lives.”
She also offers advice to other parents who may face a similar diagnosis with their child: Never be afraid to ask questions, seek support groups and connect with other families who truly understand.
“Friends and family mean well, but unless they’ve been through it, they don’t truly know,” she said. “Other parents walking this road can give you the hope and information you need.”
Kaitlyn’s battle
Kaitlyn’s cancer journey is not finished; her fight continues. But her story is full of resilience, bravery and purpose. Even in the face of uncertainty, she radiates optimism and determined hope.
“She amazes me every day,” Kim said. “I’m so proud of her.”