Kaitlyn Williams’ life completely changed in just months after she was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Photos: Supplied.
A 31-year-old woman from Albion Park is in the battle of her life against a rare and aggressive cancer after sudden migraines quickly escalated into a devasting diagnosis.
Kaitlyn Williams’ kindness has always shone brightly and even in her most difficult times, the 31-year-old is still thinking of others.
“She has the biggest heart; she’s the kind of person who’s always worried about everyone else first,” her brother Mark Haydin said.
“As a kid she was caring, gentle, and a complete animal lover. She always made room for people too, checking in on friends, remembering little details, the kind of person who’d quietly put others first without ever needing recognition for it. That hasn’t changed.”
Just months ago, Kaitlyn was living her life like any other young woman her age – building a career, renovating a house with her husband Jordy, making travel plans and planning her future.
But things quickly changed.
“First it was migraines. Then she just couldn’t shift weight no matter what she did. Feeling fuller quicker and not being able to eat as much, then came bloating and abdominal pain that wouldn’t go away,” Mark said.
“It all happened so fast. Within the space of a few months she went from feeling generally well, to not being able to move from pain. She was admitted to hospital, where scans revealed a tumour covering her entire abdomen, plus spread to her lung, lymph nodes, and a small spot on her brain.
“She was diagnosed in late April 2026 with Stage 4 aggressive cancer, a rare type that her oncologists have said affects only about 1 per cent of cancer patients. They’ve actually been consulting with specialists in Germany and around the world to fully understand what they’re dealing with.”
Kaitlyn is an animal-loving and caring person who always puts others first.
Her family was left helpless and in disbelief, with the diagnosis also coming one day after the loss of their beloved grandmother.
Despite their grief, they have banded together to support Kaitlyn and each other.
“It’s shattered all of us in different ways,” Mark said.
“Jordy has been incredible. Twelve years together and he’s barely left her side through any of this. He’s strong for her, holding her hand through every procedure, every biopsy, every scan. But he’s hurting too, watching the love of your life go through something like this is its own kind of pain.
“Our mum has been a rock for everyone, but I know she cries when no-one’s looking. As a mum, you never imagine your child going through this.
“For me as her older brother, I just want to fix it. I can’t. So instead I’ve been trying to do everything I can to support her, from coordinating updates, to setting up the GoFundMe, to helping our family through this. We’re all just trying to be there for her in whatever way we can.
“We’re a close family. We’re getting each other through it.”
Kaitlyn has already undergone a round of chemotherapy but there is a long journey ahead.
Kaitlyn has stayed strong and approached the unimaginable with “more grace and bravery than anyone could ask of her”.
“She’s scared, of course she is, but she’s also clear-eyed about what she needs to do,” Mark said.
“She still asks how the rest of us are doing. She still smiles. She still worries about Indy [her cat] waiting at home. Even on the hardest days, her kindness comes through. That’s just who she is.
“There have been tears. There have been moments where she’s said, ‘I don’t know if I can do this’ but then the next morning she gets up and does it anyway. That’s bravery.”
With a long road ahead of specialised treatment including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, the diagnosis is not only taking an emotional and physical toll, it is also impacting the young family financially.
“Both Kaitlyn and Jordy are unable to work right now. Kaitlyn is fighting for her life, and Jordy is by her side every step, exactly where he needs to be,” Mark said.
“The reality is treatment isn’t just medical bills, it’s months without income, constant trips between Albion Park and Wollongong and Sydney, fuel, parking, quality nutrition, and all the small daily costs that pile up when you can’t work.”
The community has rallied behind a GoFundMe page started by Mark to help Kaitlyn focus on her treatment rather than having to worry about making ends meet.
Although she is unable to speak out as she puts all her energy into what comes next, the whole family has been filled with gratitude.
“Honestly, both of us have cried multiple times. The kindness of strangers, friends, local businesses, and community has been beyond what we ever imagined,” Mark said.
“Kaitlyn was overwhelmed when she saw how many people were rallying around her. She said, ‘I can’t believe people care this much about me’. The Illawarra community has been extraordinary – local gyms, businesses, people sharing her story far and wide. It genuinely gives her strength.
“To everyone who has donated, shared, prayed, or sent messages of love, thank you. You’re carrying her through this with us.”
To donate to Kaitlyn’s cancer journey visit her GoFundMe page.
