Sister Shares Heartbreaking Story After Young Woman Dies of Missed Cancer Diagnosis at 26
The sister of a young woman who passed away at just 26 is speaking out about the devastating impact of a delayed cancer diagnosis, urging others to trust their instincts and advocate for their health.
Kate Drummond, a customer service representative described as “kind, considerate, and warm,” was just 25 when she began experiencing intermittent lower back pain during the summer of 2020. At the time, she believed it was related to working from home during the pandemic or possibly overtraining. What began as mild discomfort gradually intensified and spread to her hip, prompting her to seek medical help.
In May 2021, Kate visited her local emergency department in Devon, where doctors suspected sciatica—a relatively common nerve condition that causes pain from the lower back into the legs. They noted it was unusual for someone so young to have such symptoms but reassured her that sciatica was the likely cause.
Three months later, however, an MRI scan—paid for privately—revealed the true and devastating cause: a large tumor in her pelvis, later diagnosed as Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer.
Kate’s sister Kelly, a personal trainer from Devon, is now sharing her story publicly in hopes that it will help others recognize warning signs and push for answers. “We’d be silly not to wonder if things could have been different had she been diagnosed earlier,” Kelly said. “The tumor was described as the size of a grapefruit, and they believed she may have had cancer for up to two years.”
Following her diagnosis, Kate underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. At first, treatment appeared to be effective. But in January 2022, her health rapidly deteriorated. The cancer spread quickly to her lungs, liver, skull, jaw, and other bones. Kate passed away on March 17, 2022.
“It was such a sudden decline,” Kelly shared. “Her condition changed so quickly. One moment she was hopeful, and the next, we were losing her.”
Kate never received a formal terminal diagnosis until the final weeks of her life. The speed of the disease’s progression shocked her loved ones.
“It was unreal. She was young, active, and healthy—someone who shouldn’t have been facing this kind of illness,” Kelly said. “I felt guilt, wondering if I could’ve done more to push her to seek help sooner.”
Kate’s early symptoms—back pain, hip discomfort, warmth, and swelling—were initially attributed to common conditions, leading to months of delays before imaging revealed the cancer. By then, the disease had already spread.
Throughout her illness, Kate stayed remarkably positive and strong. “We were always amazed by her strength and optimism,” Kelly recalled. “She never complained. She kept smiling and laughing—her laugh was so infectious, it’s what we all miss the most.”
Kelly’s message now is simple but vital: listen to your body and advocate for yourself. She encourages others not to dismiss symptoms or delays in care, especially when something feels off.
“Kate would want people to live fully, love deeply, and not take their time for granted,” Kelly said. “She’d say: don’t wait, laugh more, and enjoy the life you’re lucky to have.”
If this story moved you, please consider sharing it with others. It could help save a life.
Have you or someone you love faced a delayed diagnosis? Share your thoughts or story in the comments.
