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Caring for Kait: A True Story of Young Love & Cancer
At the age of 22, Kaitlyn Julia was diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. At age 23 it had moved to the 4th Stage. And by age 24 it claimed her life. On the day she was supposed to be married to her soul mate, Travis, she was instead laid to rest. Told from Travis’ perspective, this is a story chronicling the harrowing journey of a couple and their unbreakable bond as they are faced with the cold reality that their time together would likely be cut short. This is a story of immense love and heartbreak. Of triumph and sorrow. This is a story of a woman's indomitable strength through impossible circumstances.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2017
115 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 18, 2022
The story was both hard to read and hard to put down, but the writing itself was sub-par. It was a heartbreaking story but I found myself at times getting a little annoyed with Travis and how he portrayed Kaitlyn and their love story as being absolutely perfect, and his behavior at times with Kait’s family struck me as self-serving (the scene before Kait’s wake comes to mind). I also couldn’t understand why they didn’t get married sooner, given Kait’s declining health. It was almost as if they had to have the perfect, huge wedding or not at all. I found it so sad that they waited too long and she passed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2021
While the story of a young girl dying of a horrific disease and the love that was shared by her fiancé was heartbreaking, I did have a few issues with it. First of all Travis admits he is no writer and unfortunately it shows. He writes like he’s talking to you and some of the grammar mistakes just really got to me. Proudness as opposed to pride. While not necessarily wrong it is rather archaic and very seldom used. The other thing that really bothered me was the way he talked about Kait. She was either an angel or a child. Constantly calling her a baby seemed condescending. And no matter how good or sweet she was, no one is perfect. Would have liked to hear about some of her flaws a little more.
December 29, 2017
Why
This is a nice love story about a man taking care of his wife during her cancer and still married her knowing she was going to die
This is a nice love story about a man taking care of his wife during her cancer and still married her knowing she was going to die
July 22, 2022
Where do I start? This definitely shows the underside of cancer. It’s honest and it’s raw. However, the writing style was awful and the author was far too full of himself. It was I, I, I all through the book.
I have 2 son in laws married to my two beautiful daughters. After 15-17 years of marriage, they have earned the right to make decisions about my daughters lives, but I would have had a huge problem with that if they were at the boyfriend stage. Travis does not know a mother and fathers heart. Their memories of this little girl went way back to her birth. Yet Travis acts like he’s come riding in on his white stallion to save the day. I could not stand his arrogance and how pushy he was.
Travis continued to push his ideas on poor little Kaitlyn even when it was obvious she was on her death bed. He’d still carry her off for another far fetched treatment he’d read about on the internet. I don’t call that love. I call that a self centered man who thought he was in control and whatever he wanted trumped anything that she or the family may have wanted.
In her last days the family told her it was okay to die. Travis told her that too, but then when he was alone with her and the family couldn’t hear, he would beg her to stay because he needed her! Wonder what her parents thought about that if they read his book! This wasn’t about Kaitlyn’s needs or the families wishes! It was about him! It’s galling!
Even at her wake he had to be the center of attention! Kaitlin’s dad said he wanted a minute alone with Kaitlyn. But right then Travis loses himself and hogs the time. He acts like it was an act beyond his control. No, it wasn’t. Any less selfish of
of a man would have given that poor father some time! There is no excuse. It’s all about him and his loss! He acted like she was his sole possession and he owned her! If I were Kaitlyn’s parents, I would not have put up with this guy. My husband and I would be making ALL the decisions, not a boyfriend who only just met her a few months before her cancer journey.
He was so persistent and so determined to keep her on earth that he pushed her beyond her endurance. Then he writes about it, hoping we all see him as the Savior of heaven and earth! Kaitlyn’s tumors were causing her incredible pain, the doctors had given her mere days to live, yet he loads her up to go see another doctor! I currently have cancer. I certainly hope that there is no Travis in my life when my end comes, whether from cancer or natural causes.
And how many times did he use the word cute in reference to Kaitlyn? A million? A trillion? Who knows! It went on and on. He treated her like a child rather than an adult who was his equal. It was weird!
And those chapters at the end? The ones where he elaborates on how he’s going to make the earth better? He still had grandiose ideas about himself! This went on page after page after page until you were begging him to stop! Words words words! Just to hear himself talk! I had to skip them! I couldn’t handle anymore of his posturing!
I feel sorry for Kaitlyn. I would love to know her through her mothers eyes, instead of through the lens of this delusional narcissist!
I have 2 son in laws married to my two beautiful daughters. After 15-17 years of marriage, they have earned the right to make decisions about my daughters lives, but I would have had a huge problem with that if they were at the boyfriend stage. Travis does not know a mother and fathers heart. Their memories of this little girl went way back to her birth. Yet Travis acts like he’s come riding in on his white stallion to save the day. I could not stand his arrogance and how pushy he was.
Travis continued to push his ideas on poor little Kaitlyn even when it was obvious she was on her death bed. He’d still carry her off for another far fetched treatment he’d read about on the internet. I don’t call that love. I call that a self centered man who thought he was in control and whatever he wanted trumped anything that she or the family may have wanted.
In her last days the family told her it was okay to die. Travis told her that too, but then when he was alone with her and the family couldn’t hear, he would beg her to stay because he needed her! Wonder what her parents thought about that if they read his book! This wasn’t about Kaitlyn’s needs or the families wishes! It was about him! It’s galling!
Even at her wake he had to be the center of attention! Kaitlin’s dad said he wanted a minute alone with Kaitlyn. But right then Travis loses himself and hogs the time. He acts like it was an act beyond his control. No, it wasn’t. Any less selfish of
of a man would have given that poor father some time! There is no excuse. It’s all about him and his loss! He acted like she was his sole possession and he owned her! If I were Kaitlyn’s parents, I would not have put up with this guy. My husband and I would be making ALL the decisions, not a boyfriend who only just met her a few months before her cancer journey.
He was so persistent and so determined to keep her on earth that he pushed her beyond her endurance. Then he writes about it, hoping we all see him as the Savior of heaven and earth! Kaitlyn’s tumors were causing her incredible pain, the doctors had given her mere days to live, yet he loads her up to go see another doctor! I currently have cancer. I certainly hope that there is no Travis in my life when my end comes, whether from cancer or natural causes.
And how many times did he use the word cute in reference to Kaitlyn? A million? A trillion? Who knows! It went on and on. He treated her like a child rather than an adult who was his equal. It was weird!
And those chapters at the end? The ones where he elaborates on how he’s going to make the earth better? He still had grandiose ideas about himself! This went on page after page after page until you were begging him to stop! Words words words! Just to hear himself talk! I had to skip them! I couldn’t handle anymore of his posturing!
I feel sorry for Kaitlyn. I would love to know her through her mothers eyes, instead of through the lens of this delusional narcissist!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2025
So Much Emotion
This book takes the reader on an emotional journey as the author, Travis Ruhland meets the young lady, Kaitlyn Julia who would soon become his girlfriend. They meet in college where Travis is a Resident Advisor and Kait approaches him for some help with furniture. The connection is almost instantaneous! Before long, they are dating and Travis notices a curious spot or mole on Kaitlyn. She has had it checked a while back and it was "nothing" according to the biopsy. Kaitlyn decides to get checked again after noticing a pea sized lump and having Travis also feel it. Surely it must be a fluke, right? Maybe an infection, or a virus? The doctor biopsies the new lump and after what feels like endless waiting for results, they are told Kaitlyn has melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Obviously, they are devastated as are their families.
We all handle crises in our own way and in our own timing. And how one initially feels about a scary situation or diagnosis does not necessarily reflect how one might feel an hour, week or month from now! Travis and Kait each try hard to be strong and support the other. But reality gradually closes in on them as they and their families battle the beast called cancer.
This story of beautiful young love, wedding planning, moving in together and medical challenges captured my attention and held fast to it. I found myself touched by their devotion to each other, the support and love shown by both families and more. I was also quite impressed with Travis' writing. Although he is repetitive in several places, he writes well and conveys emotions well. I would love to see a follow up to find out what life had in store next!
This book takes the reader on an emotional journey as the author, Travis Ruhland meets the young lady, Kaitlyn Julia who would soon become his girlfriend. They meet in college where Travis is a Resident Advisor and Kait approaches him for some help with furniture. The connection is almost instantaneous! Before long, they are dating and Travis notices a curious spot or mole on Kaitlyn. She has had it checked a while back and it was "nothing" according to the biopsy. Kaitlyn decides to get checked again after noticing a pea sized lump and having Travis also feel it. Surely it must be a fluke, right? Maybe an infection, or a virus? The doctor biopsies the new lump and after what feels like endless waiting for results, they are told Kaitlyn has melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Obviously, they are devastated as are their families.
We all handle crises in our own way and in our own timing. And how one initially feels about a scary situation or diagnosis does not necessarily reflect how one might feel an hour, week or month from now! Travis and Kait each try hard to be strong and support the other. But reality gradually closes in on them as they and their families battle the beast called cancer.
This story of beautiful young love, wedding planning, moving in together and medical challenges captured my attention and held fast to it. I found myself touched by their devotion to each other, the support and love shown by both families and more. I was also quite impressed with Travis' writing. Although he is repetitive in several places, he writes well and conveys emotions well. I would love to see a follow up to find out what life had in store next!
June 8, 2025
It is hard to criticize a writer who is sharing his journey of loss but I did not enjoy the writing style of the author. I also couldn’t get past his way of making Kait’s diagnosis “his” diagnosis. His use of “our” seemed off putting. I understand it’s from his point of view but I couldn’t get past the need to make Kait’s diagnosis all about him.
September 18, 2022
This was beautifully written by this man who loved his girl with his pure heart he made me feel I was right there with them from start to finish thank you for writing your amazing story of yours and Kait's wish you well.
February 12, 2023
LOVING AN ANGEL
This book is very good and about Kaits cancer journey. Her fiance explains every detail of the whole story in very good detail. It's a very long book but it's also a love story. Have your tissues ready.
This book is very good and about Kaits cancer journey. Her fiance explains every detail of the whole story in very good detail. It's a very long book but it's also a love story. Have your tissues ready.
July 28, 2023
Beautiful story
This book really tugged on my heartstrings, not only because a young life was lost but because of the beautiful love story as well. If you're looking for a book to make you feel all the emotions, this is it.
This book really tugged on my heartstrings, not only because a young life was lost but because of the beautiful love story as well. If you're looking for a book to make you feel all the emotions, this is it.
March 13, 2022
Thus we a great read. This book hits close to home. I’m so glad I stumbled on this book.
July 7, 2024
memories
Wow is all I can say now beautiful written story for anyone who has been close to anyone battling cancer can definitely identify with Travis and Kaits journey
Wow is all I can say now beautiful written story for anyone who has been close to anyone battling cancer can definitely identify with Travis and Kaits journey
July 28, 2024
Wish I could give 10 stars
What a beautiful story of unconditional love, tragedy, family and hope. I couldn’t put the book down. My heart went out to Travis.
What a beautiful story of unconditional love, tragedy, family and hope. I couldn’t put the book down. My heart went out to Travis.
November 1, 2025
Very emotional
Exceptional book full of emotionally moving episodes. I feel very close to Trav's wonderfully written story which totally captured me.
Exceptional book full of emotionally moving episodes. I feel very close to Trav's wonderfully written story which totally captured me.
July 31, 2017
A HEARTWARMING YET HEARTBREAKING READ
This story is about a young couples desperate fight with cancer. The love that Kait and Travis shared is something that many of us will never experience. The book tells us about the ups and downs of dealing with cancer, the treatments, the after effects the list goes on. Throughout though the bravery of Kait shines through. Having to face the fact that she is going to lose this battle must of literally broke her heart but having her partner and family close by, they faced the end together. The book had me in tears in parts and smiling at the humour of Kait. Thank you for sharing your story Travis. This is definitely a MUST READ it puts everything into perspective. Live and love........
This story is about a young couples desperate fight with cancer. The love that Kait and Travis shared is something that many of us will never experience. The book tells us about the ups and downs of dealing with cancer, the treatments, the after effects the list goes on. Throughout though the bravery of Kait shines through. Having to face the fact that she is going to lose this battle must of literally broke her heart but having her partner and family close by, they faced the end together. The book had me in tears in parts and smiling at the humour of Kait. Thank you for sharing your story Travis. This is definitely a MUST READ it puts everything into perspective. Live and love........
December 2, 2021
I cried my heart went out two both of them ,
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews