AdventHealth’s Pink on Parade in Sebring unites community to support breast cancer patients

SEBRING, Fla. - Katie Kochanski, a 44-year-old mother and grandmother, said an evaluation of a lump in her breast led doctors to uncover a devastating diagnosis: stage 4 breast cancer that had spread to other parts of her body.

"My world literally turned upside down, immediately. Your whole mortality literally flashes in front of your eyes," Kochanski said. "At the time, our oldest daughter was pregnant, and it was, you know, am I going to see my grandchild grow up?"

That was more than a year ago.

Since then, Kochanski has undergone surgeries, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and other treatments. She has also welcomed a granddaughter and learned that another grandchild is on the way.

Kochanski said she now has no evidence of active disease, though she said she will continue treatment for the rest of her life. She is also scheduled for surgery to repair a fractured vertebra in her back, where the cancer had spread. Throughout her care, her family has been her greatest motivation.

"It's my kids, it's my husband, it's my granddaughter, it's my grandbaby to be. I have a whole life in front of me," she said.

Kochanski was among more than 500 community members who participated in AdventHealth Heartland Foundation's 10th annual Pink on Parade walk/run at Sebring International Raceway on Saturday. The event raised awareness and funds to support breast cancer care and prevention in Highlands, Hardee and surrounding counties.

Participants walked or ran in tribute to loved ones affected by breast cancer, celebrated survivors, honored those undergoing treatment and remembered those whose legacies live on through family and friends.

The event also featured a pre-race parade of breast cancer survivors and patients who are battling the disease.

"Every dollar raised helps fund early detection screenings and lifesaving equipment, ensuring that our community has access to high-quality, whole-person care," said Jessica Carlson, director of the AdventHealth Heartland Foundation.

For Kochanski, who is the founder and owner of Double K Farm in Sebring, participating was also an opportunity to advocate for more research to advance breast cancer treatment, especially for people diagnosed with stage 4 disease.

"There is a whole population of us that get a stage 4 diagnosis, and some women, depending on where it spread to, they've got weeks. Others, you know, maybe the oncologist says they have like five years. Now, it's up to us to fight," Kochanski said. "I told my oncologist, you're going to be writing a paper about me in 20 years, because I'm still going to be here, and I'm still going to be seeing you."

Kochanski said another reason she participated was that all proceeds from the event go directly to the AdventHealth Sebring Breast Care Center to help patients like her.

"The staff at the breast care center are amazing," she said.

She also emphasized the importance of breast cancer screening, including mammograms, and encouraged people to speak up when something does not feel right with their bodies.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime.

The American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging has recommended annual mammography screening for all women, beginning at age 40, which they've said provides the greatest mortality reduction, diagnosis at earlier stage, better surgical options and more effective chemotherapy.

Along with advocating for screening, Kochanski wants other patients to know they can acknowledge difficult emotions throughout treatment.

"Feel what you need to feel on any given day. You don't have to feel happy and positive 24/7, because that's not realistic. Want to have a meltdown one day? Have a meltdown. If you're going to go out and celebrate because you had a good scan, go out and celebrate," she said.

"Unpack it, let it out, but do not live there. Have your moment and then pick yourself back up and move on, because the next day is a new day," Kochanski added.

To schedule a mammogram or learn more about breast health services, visit scheduleyourmammotoday.com.