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| Katie Brungardt, YPB Member |
Katie’s heart is purple for her step-dad, Craig, who was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in April of 2013—about two months before Katie graduated from college. Craig fought his battle for nearly a year, nine months longer than his prognosis. “His last year on earth was one well lived. We traveled, saw family, ate good food and spent time making memories as a family.”
“Craig came into my life when I was just 18 months old. He has been a huge part of my life, he was my biggest supporter, my cheerleader and the rock of our family. He put me through school, taught me how to drive a car, and showered me, my mom, and two sisters with love and laughter. He was such a prankster and had the best laugh out of anyone I knew. I got involved with the Rolfe Foundation through Jim Rolfe who reached out to me when he learned that pancreatic cancer had touched my life in a similar fashion to his own.”
Now, for some fun facts about Katie…
Her favorite quote is: "Live in the moment."
Katie is a “huge college basketball fan,” and her favorite teams are the KU Jaywhawks and Saint Louis University Billikens. She is also roots for the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Cardinals.
When asked about an interesting hobby or passion, Katie replied, “I love traveling! I studied in Madrid, Spain for a semester and did an emerging market field study in Panama my senior year of college. I never miss an opportunity to go some place new.”
Katie describes herself as “optimistic,” and her hobbies include reading, long distance running and any kind of outdoor activity. As Katie admits, “I also have a slight obsession with dogs, Disney movies and Christmas.”
When asked about her favorite restaurant, Katie responded, " Nookies. I love breakfast food. A lot.”
Katie is inspired by all four of her parents. “Being part of a blended family, I am fortunate to have had great relationships with my mom, dad, step-mom and of course my amazing step-dad. Each one of them has taught me so much, and they are all four so different—I feel like I am a more well-rounded individual because of the influence each one of them has had on my life.”
Katie’s favorite summer activities are “Running and biking—especially down the lakefront.” During the winter, Katie enjoys “ drinking hot chocolate. Skiing is fun too, but I'm better at the former.”
Katie is from Shawnee, KS and currently lives in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. She graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration from Saint Louis University and currently works as a Credit Analyst for The Private Bank.
