Remembering Holley Kitchen

Holley Kitchen was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in July 2012, which then metastasized in late 2013.

As a mother and wife, Holley's life was centered on her two sons, Colby and Bryson, as well as her husband Beep. She was also a large part of the metastatic breast cancer (mBC) "lifers" group within her community. Holley's story became public when she shared a video on YouTube to raise awareness of mBC, which went viral, securing over 51 million views and counting. Following the release of this video, her story was featured on Good Morning America, and published in People, The Huffington Post, BuzzFeed and Women's Health, among others.

Sadly, Holley Kitchen passed away from mBC on January 12, 2016, at the age of 42.

Photographed by Angelo Merendino

Holley Kitchen was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in July 2012, which then metastasized in late 2013.

As a mother and wife, Holley's life was centered on her two sons, Colby and Bryson, as well as her husband Beep. She was also a large part of the metastatic breast cancer (mBC) "lifers" group within her community. Holley's story became public when 

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Holley had boundless energy and it was rare to see her without a smile on her face.

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Holley's main priority in life was to make sure her children would be well cared for after she passed away.

Holley’s video about living with mBC has been viewed by over 51 million people.

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Balancing motherhood and a life with mBC isn’t easy – especially when one of Holley’s sons was sick with a cold.

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There was no place Holley could rest more comfortably than with her children.

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Life with mBC is unpredictable. For Holley, this means taking advantage of the days when she didn’t feel like “someone living with cancer” and feels more like Holley Kitchen.

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In loving memory of Holley Kitchen.

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An mBC diagnosis can take a toll on your self-image. Holley always made it a point to pick out her clothes, do her hair and put on some makeup when she felt well enough to do so. Sometimes even the smallest things – like a little bit of lip gloss – can make you feel like a whole new person.

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Holley tried to keep her children’s lives as normal as possible. She refused to let mBC get in the way.

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Holley loved nothing more than her sons.

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These are the moments they will cherish in their hearts forever.

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Living with mBC means never-ending doctor appointments and treatment. Holley always made the best of the worst situations. Cancer was no different.

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Even though Holley was known for her upbeat personality, the realities that come with living with mBC are more painful than we know.

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Your team of doctors are there to understand your individual needs and wishes – and most importantly – to support you. They're going to see a side of you that not many others will. They'll see you scared, relieved, sad, worried, in pain, heartbroken, and so many other emotions you probably didn't realize existed. That's why it is so important to find a team of doctors that you trust.

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Holley reflects on her life with mBC and how it impacts her family.