Earlier this year—just weeks into my dream job—I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. We moved to SF on days’ notice for treatment, arriving Super Bowl Sunday. For the past five months, I’ve been undergoing chemo at UCSF while leading our marketing team. It’s been the hardest season of life—for me, my husband, and our two young kids.
And yet, I’ve learned something I’ll carry forever: no one fights alone.
Silicon Valley can be sharp-edged—fast, competitive, transactional. But getting sick revealed something deeper. I’ve seen up close the generosity and humanity that still connect us. We’re not cogs in the same machine—we’re waves from the same sea.
People showed up. They found us a home, a school, the best doctors. They walked our dog, made dinner, prayed for us, sent care packages, took on more at work. Family, friends, colleagues, strangers—I was wrapped in love before I even knew how much I needed it.
I’m grateful to say my prognosis is excellent, and I’m expected to make a full recovery.
I’ve never been prouder of my team—they are among the most creative and capable marketers I’ve worked with. Now, it’s time to focus fully on healing. Starting today, I’m taking a 3-month medical leave.
To ensure continuity, my longtime mentor and former Meta CMO, Gary Briggs will step in as interim head of marketing. Gary is the most generous, principled leader I know. He taught me so much—especially on kindness—and I’m beyond grateful. The team will thrive under him.
Huge thanks to OpenAI and LoveFrom—especially Brad Lightcap, Sam Altman, Jony Ive, Fidji Simo, Sarah Russell, Amanda Spitz, and Austin MacPhee. The humanity in this company is real—and a core part of what makes us different.
Thank you to the ChatGPT and research teams. I’ve leaned on our tools at every step—from explaining cancer to my kids, to managing chemo side effects and creating meditations for many scary times. UCSF researchers are using our models to improve care. Experiencing our work as a patient has made OpenAI’s mission feel more personal and important.
Thank you to Claire McDonnell and Molly Graham, my best friends. To Caryn Marooney, Katia Verresen, Eric Antonow, Ron Conway, Elliot Schrage, Chris Lehane, and many others who carried us.
7 years ago an executive I admire shared openly that she was fighting breast cancer. She was my first call and connected me to the doctor that is saving my life. Stories matter. If not today, in time.
1 in 8 American women will get invasive breast cancer. 42,000 die every year. Rates are rising for young women. I’m sharing my story (and bald head) to get their attention and encourage them to prioritize their health over the demands of families and jobs. A routine exam saved my life. It could save yours too.
I’ll be back soon.
–Kate
P.S. I won’t respond to messages until I return. It’s time to rest. Thank you for understanding.
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