Prayers are requested for Katie Fitch, a three-year-old South Carolina girl with a hepatoblastoma.
The message quoted above, and the web site katiefitch.com, entreats readers to offer prayers for Bonnie Kathleen 'Katie' Fitch, a 3-year-old South Carolina girl who was diagnosed in June 2008 with a hepatoblastoma (an uncommon malignant liver tumor occurring in infants and children).Katie's family put us in contact with a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Social Worker at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Children's Hospital, who verified for us that Katie's condition was as described:Bonnie 'Katie' Fitch is a 3-year-old female being treated at the Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital in Charleston, SC, for a cancerous tumor identified as a Hepatoblastoma which is currently inoperable. Her care is being directed by Dr. Michelle Hudspeth. Katie is receiving chemotherapy to shrink the tumor in hopes of [doctors'] being able to surgically remove what is left. She may require additional chemotherapy after surgery. Katie's current medical condition is very serious and prognosis is uncertain at this time. She is admitted to the hospital every three weeks for chemotherapy and is seen in the clinic weekly. Katie lives at home with her parents, Stacie Williams and Samuel Fitch Sr., and her 7-year-old sister. Her mother is unable to work due to the care Katie requires. Her father is employed but does not get paid [when] he takes off [work] to accompany Katie to her medical appointments.Katie passed away on 15 February 2009, her fourth birthday.
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