On November 18, 2023, we said goodbye to Katie Emma Zabronsky. At 30 years and 44 days old, Katie’s life was too short but nevertheless full, virtuous, and well-lived. She was a remarkable soul who showed unwavering strength after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 26.

Through it all, Katie fought tirelessly not just for herself, but for all those affected by life’s greatest challenges, from cancer to domestic violence to maternal healthcare and beyond. She was a social worker, supporting children who’d gone through impossible situations in New York City. A teacher, starting a creative writing class at a prison near her university. And a fundraiser, raising over $25,000 for MSK in her first half-marathon — one she completed just 10 weeks after she completed her first round of chemotherapy.

Before she passed away, Katie asked that her family, friends and community donate to ovarian cancer research at MSK in her memory, in the hopes that one day, the disease will become a thing of the past. She also wanted to honor the team at MSK, and the amazing care Katie received there throughout the four years of her battle.

Thank you to the entire supportive care team, and in particular to Dr. Judy Nelson, who went above and beyond and has left an indelible mark on our family, and to Tristan, who we loved to sit and chat with. Thank you to Dr. Chi for your herculean efforts and Dr. Ryan Kahn, we're so glad we precipitously met you and are forever in your debt for that sleeper chair that somehow ended up in the ICU. Thank you to Dr. Kalin (aka MK) for your presence and always checking in. Thank you to the incredible NPs and PAs, especially to Anne Marie and Jackie, who showed empathy and wisdom, we will always be rooting for your fantasy football team.

In the ICU, thank you to Dr. Elena Mead who made us laugh and cry and to Celeste, who washed Katie's hair tirelessly in preparation for her 30th birthday and who we hope is enjoying maternity leave. Thank you to the Patient Care Technicians, especially Martha, Lenecia, Daniel, and Keshcia, you are immovable forces. Thank you to Timmy, Kim, and Rachel from OT/PT, you guys were always a bright spot in Katie’s day. Thank you to Dolma and Ariel on the floor, and Rachel in the lounge for letting us bend the rules and your kindness.

Thank you to all the front desk staff, especially Phyllis, Isabelle, Cindy, and Alicia, who let in constantly cycling rounds of Katie’s loved ones — we hope we made you chuckle with how obsessed Katie’s community is with her, and know that if you met her, you’d have lined up with us, too.

Thank you to the M10 nurses, who are the most kind and patient, you have the hardest job of all and we can't possibly express how appreciative we are of all you did for Katie. There are too many to name: Leanne, Sage, Rochelle, Maria, Christa, Jillian, Erin, Jillian, DJ, Corey, Michelle, Nicole, Bri, Chi Chi, Morgan and so many more.

Katie is desperately missed by her adoring, silly and kind parents, Rob and Lorri Zabronsky, her sister, who isn’t a twin but might as well be, Rachel Zabronsky and brother-in-law, Jake Sabbah, her spectacular boyfriend who she would have loved to marry, Harry Shock, her cat, Brooks, and seemingly hundreds of friends, all of whom she deeply cared for. No amount of time with the angelic Katie would have ever been enough, but she gave us enough chocolate chip cookies and memories to last a lifetime. We really loved her!

No one should die from cancer at 30. But in just three decades, Katie did more for the most vulnerable than any of us will do throughout our entire lives. Katie’s life was one not just marked by cancer, a disease she never let define her, but of everything she did despite it — and we thank the MSK team for letting her live life to the fullest, despite her diagnosis.