Playwright Katie Ka Vang battling advanced cancer
Twin Cities playwright Katie Ka Vang is currently in the University of Minnesota hospital after being diagnosed with stage four anaplastic T-cell large lymphoma.
Vang, 32, is known best for her work with Mu Performing Arts and the Center for Hmong Arts and Talent (CHAT).
According to Vang's Caring Bridge website, a PET scan revealed there were tumors in about 60-70% of her body.
For patients with this degree of lymphona, there is a 50% chance that they will live longer than five years. Doctors say Vang's young age and her strong spirit are working in her favor.
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Vang is also keeping a video blog of her experience, which can be found here. In her most recent clip she ended with the following.
I really appreciate and value all of the great energy that everyone has been sending me. It's really been helping my spirit alot, and I don't think that I can get through this without everyone's support. I am truly humbled by this, and I ask that you keep the prayers and good thoughts coming, because they are working tremendously for me.
The hospital has set a tentative release date of Tuesday for Vang, with the expectation that she will be strong enough to walk by then and can continue treatment from home.
Information about making donations to offset Vang's medical expenses can be found at the Caring Bridge site.