Maryland Mother of Five Given Five Weeks to Live After Cancer Diagnosis
Kourtni Smith, a 34-year-old mother of five from St Mary’s County, Maryland, received devastating news just four weeks ago. After being diagnosed with stage 4 invasive lobular carcinoma in April, she was told that she only has months to live, with the cancer having spread to her brain. Smith, who has been in hospice care for several weeks, has been focusing on creating lasting memories with her family during her remaining time.
Speaking to WUSA9, Smith expressed her hope that her story serves as a warning to others who may be too scared to seek medical attention. She admitted that fear kept her from consulting a doctor after noticing a lump on her breast, and shared that she feels she may have missed out on the chance of being cured because of it.
Smith’s battle with cancer began in 2021, when she was diagnosed with stage 3 of the disease. Despite undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, she was informed three months ago that the treatments had been unsuccessful. The news has now spurred her to focus on spending quality time with her husband and children, ages 16, 14, 12, 9, and 2.
A GoFundMe started by Smith to help with funeral expenses has already raised $72,710, which will now be bequeathed to her family. She expressed her desire to provide her husband with financial assistance for her funeral expenses, as he will become a single father to their children. Additionally, Smith is working on a children’s book as a legacy for her five kids, hoping that she can at least make it to December to share one more Christmas with them.
Smith’s story is a poignant reminder of the importance of seeking medical attention, and her bravery and determination to make the most of her remaining time with her family is truly inspirational.