The year of her college graduation Kim discovered a lump in her left breast. After several tests and mammograms, Kim was sent for a biopsy. This turned out to be Stage 4 breast cancer at the young age of 23. After a radical mastectomy, chemo-therapy and radiation and a positive attitude, Kim had beat the odds. Her cancer seemed to be in remission.

On December 7, 1990 Kim married her childhood sweetheart, Benny Atkins. Kim continued her education and became a certified teacher and began teaching 6th grade at Memorial Middle School in 1997. After 5 years of no-cancer, Kim consulted with her physicians and ask about having a child. The Doctor's gave her the go ahead in September of 1994 and Kim was pregnant in October 1994.

On July 10, 1995, Kim gave birth to a healthy girl named, Abbey. Benny, Kim and Abbey were saddened to find that Kim had found another lump in her right breast in September 1995. Test results proved to be another stage 4 breast cancer.

During this battle with breast cancer Kim continued to teach and was an excellent mother to Abbey. In fact, Kim taught classes up until two weeks prior to her death on October 5, 1999.

Kim will always be remembered as a great mother, wife, daughter, cousin, aunt, teacher and friend! Her memory lives on today through The Kimberley Chance Atkins Foundation--Kim's wish would be a day that breast cancer is no more!

Hi,
I know you don't know me but I literally stumbled on this website when I was searching for any foundation for my old teacher Mrs. Atkins from 6th grade and just wanted to take a moment and tell you how much she changed my life.

I had a terrible learning disability in math and although she taught science, She would on her only break in the day sit down with me (and give me chocolate to keep me interested!) and tutor me in math--no other teacher I ever had cared about my education more than she did. I had a really rough time in school and she helped me turn that around.

I will never forget the kindness she showed towards me and the effort she gave more than any teacher to just watch me succeed. Just wanted to say that:) I will be glad to donate to a great cause, I lost my 4 aunts and grandmother to this horrible disease.

Sincerely,
Kelly B.