MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, Md. — From her hospital bed, 34-year-old Kourtni Smith recently called WUSA9 to say thank you for sharing her story, and to say goodbye in case she doesn't have another chance.
We first introduced you to Smith, a Maryland mother of five children, late last year, after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Now, she's back in the hospital and not sure how much time she has left.
“It’s been a roller coaster," Smith said. "I’m so tired of being here in this hospital. I’m tired.”
Smith was diagnosed with stage three invasive lobular carcinoma in 2021. Doctors told her she wouldn’t make it past Christmas, but she’s still here, in and out of the hospital. When she's not battling her cancer, she's spending all her time with her husband and children.
One of Smith's last wishes was to see the recommended mammogram age lowered, in hopes of diagnosing people earlier than she had been.
Recently, the U.S. Preventative Service Task Force finalized new updated recommendations. Instead of starting screenings at age 50, they’re moving up the recommended age to 40.
The change comes after an increase in breast cancer among patients in their forties; it's a change Smith believes will save millions of lives.
“I feel good about that, grateful it happened," Smith said. "I wish it would be pushed further, but we’ll take the 40 for now."
Smith told WUSA9 the cancer has spread to nearly 90% of her body. She’s unable to walk and sometimes even talk. Currently, she's doing several rounds of radiation to keep the cancer from spreading even more and hopefully buy her more time with family.
“The only thing I’m scared of is being away from my kids," Smith said, getting emotional. "But I’m not afraid. I’m going to let you know when I get out of here. I’ll say, Leslie I’m getting the h*** out of here!”
A GoFundMe for Smith's family has seen more than 3,500 donations, raising nearly $125k since November.
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