Muskegon Woman Overcomes Cancer Diagnosis to Fulfill Her Dreams

After being told she only had three months left to live in December last year, Kathi Montalvo from Muskegon is defying the odds and living life to the fullest. As a three-time cancer survivor, she has faced numerous challenges, but her recent encounter with country superstar Jelly Roll has given her a new perspective on life.

Attending a Jelly Roll concert in Midland, Kathi never expected to catch the attention of the artist himself. She recalls the moment vividly, “He was singing, and all of a sudden, he double took me.” This interaction meant the world to her, especially considering the hardships she has endured.

Having battled cancer multiple times, Kathi’s latest treatment has left her unable to eat or drink normally. She relies on specialized nutrition and hydration methods to survive. Despite these challenges, she remains determined to check off items on her “to-do list,” which includes meeting Jelly Roll.

During the concert, Jelly Roll noticed Kathi’s struggle and made a heartfelt gesture by halting the show to ensure she was taken care of. The touching moment was captured on TikTok and quickly went viral, showcasing the power of music and human connection.

Reflecting on the experience, Kathi expressed, “No matter what I have time left to do for the rest of it, I got that, I got Jelly Roll, and he noticed me. I’m not invisible.” The encounter gave her the strength to continue fighting and embracing life with a renewed sense of purpose.

As a token of appreciation, Kathi hopes to have one of Jelly Roll’s lyrics tattooed on her arm, symbolizing her resilience and unwavering spirit. Her story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, moments of kindness and recognition can illuminate our path forward.

Through her indomitable spirit and infectious positivity, Kathi Montalvo is showing the world that every moment is precious, and every dream is worth pursuing.