06/01/2026
We shared Katie's Wish Reveal video with you, but these perfectly-captured videos deserved a permanent spot on the feed too! 🎉
When Katie began her senior year at Shenandoah University, life was falling perfectly into place. A full-scholarship student in the Fine Arts Conservatory, she had just moved into her first apartment with her best friends and was preparing to complete her senior capstone projects in lighting design.
Just five days into the semester, everything changed.
After experiencing severe arm pain, Katie was rushed to the ER where bloodwork revealed a devastating diagnosis: leukemia. More than 80% of her blood was filled with leukemic cells, and what followed was a fight for her life.
Katie never got to live in that apartment. She had to step away from school, leave her friends behind, and focus entirely on treatment. When local options ran out, she and her mom made the journey to MD Anderson, where they have spent the past year navigating treatments, challenges, and uncertainty together.
Through it all, Katie refused to give up on her dreams. She completed her senior capstone projects remotely, designing the lighting for two live main-stage productions while continuing her battle against cancer.
But now? JOY has been delivered! Katie and her family will be heading to Los Angeles for a behind-the-scenes tour of DROPOUT Studios, home to some of her favorite comedy content. After everything she has endured, this trip will provide a chance to laugh, make memories, and focus on something other than hospitals and treatments.
Katie, we can't wait to see the joy this experience brings you. ❤️
Help us continue granting wishes for young adults facing cancer by supporting Nik's Wish. Every donation, event registration, and fundraiser helps create moments like this.
www.nikswish.org
