Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs. I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share the story of Kate—a patient who became a friend, a fighter who defied expectations, and a presence that lingers long after she’s gone.

Kate’s journey began in an elevator, where a simple exchange turned into an unforgettable connection. Months later, I found myself sitting across from her in a hospital room, delivering news no one should ever have to hear. Diagnosed with a rare midline brain tumor, she faced the impossible with grace, resilience, and an unwavering determination to live.

This episode is about the moments that shaped our friendship—the weekly visits, the conversations that blurred the line between patient and caregiver, and the heartbreaking reality of watching someone you love fight for time. But it’s also about something more—the inexplicable, the unexplainable, the messages that come when we least expect them.

Join me as I recount Kate’s story, the lessons she taught me, and the goosebumps that remind me she’s still here.