Kourtni Smith, a 34-year-old mother of five from St. Mary’s County, Maryland, is fighting terminal illness with incredible bravery and hopes to serve as an inspiration to others and increase awareness of the significance of getting medical attention as soon as possible.
Kourtni was given a Stage 3 invasive lobular carcinoma diagnosis in 2021, marking the start of her cancer battle.
Reflecting on the initial diagnosis. she told WUSA9: “I’m asking them question like, could it be this, stuff I’ve read about online and they said ‘no, it’s cancer,’”
It had advanced to Stage 4 by April, and she was just told by physicians that the disease had gone to her brain, giving her a few months to live. Kourtni concentrates on making enduring experiences with her family and getting ready for the future despite the heartache.
According to her husband Andre, “Our 2-year-old son, he always keeps us smiling. So it’s really the kids that’s keeping us up like this.”
Kourtni expressed sorrow for not seeing a doctor sooner after noticing a dimple in her breast. Sadly, her fear at the time kept her from getting help until after her kid was born, which hindered her from being able to breastfeed.
Kourtni now depends on painkillers for comfort after suffering three rounds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and three weeks in a hospice. Her five children and her spouse will be left behind.
“I would want them to know that I love them, and I love them so much,” Kourtni said. “I would go to any drastic measures to make sure they’re okay. Even behind the grave.”
To support her family during this difficult time, Kourtni has personally set up a GoFundMe page for funeral expenses.
Additionally, she is working on a children’s book as a lasting legacy for her children.
