Oct 01, 2026
Left, top: Clay and Clayton Camp; Bottom, left to right: Lora Dixon, Karrie Camp, Cory Camp, Luca Panici, Wayne Kirschenman, Hudson, Katie, Nick and Addison Panici, Lori Panici; Right, top: Breanna, Owen and Steven Panici, Nick Panici. Photo courtesy of the Panici Family.
Katie Panici’s voice doesn’t waver when she speaks, especially when sharing about breast cancer advocacy. At 35, an age often considered too young for screening, she started what’s now two years of ongoing treatment.
“You are your own best advocate,” she affirmed. “You know your body best and if you think something is wrong, continue to pursue answers until you are satisfied with the solution.”
As director of service operations, Katie represents her family’s fourth generation in leadership at Kern Machinery.
In addition to her role, Katie and her husband, Nick, co-own Lengthwise Brewery. Nick has spent more than 25 years in the restaurant industry and is now an owner and chef. They are in the process of acquiring Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar from Dr. Nick and Pum Hansa. Married 10 years this month, the Panicis are the parents of Addison, 20, Luca, 7, and Hudson, 4.
The Panici Family, left to right: Addison, Luca, Katie, Hudson, Nick. Photography by Silvia Lomas.
“I definitely want to give God credit for his many blessings and make sure family and friends know how grateful we are for their ongoing support. It really takes a village, ” said Katie. “My fourth surgery is scheduled for October and I know they will be a support once again.”
Katie first noticed a lump in her right breast in December 2024. Although her youngest son had not nursed in more than a year, she also noticed milk-like discharge from that side. Katie requested an appointment with her OBGYN, who candidly said he had not seen any patients with those symptoms who didn’t end up having cancer.
“Having the discharge was what really let me know it was serious,” said Katie. “I had to get answers.”
Due to her age, Katie’s insurance would not cover a mammogram it deemed medically unnecessary.
“Ask your HR department about your health insurance company’s coverage. I ask people all the time to push for covered mammograms starting at earlier ages,” said Katie. “Ask. Insist. Get a mammogram earlier than you think you might need one.”
Friends who supported Katie throughout her treatment: Left to right, Shawn Sill, Lindsay Long, Charlene Hansen, Breanna Westenbroek, Katie Panici, Justine Peterson, Stasie Bitton, Kelly Grimma, Raj Cheshire, Stacey VandenBerge, Janie Slegers. Photo courtesy of the Panici Family.
In the meantime, family and business life continued. The previous autumn, Katie had committed to participate in the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP). Its competitive application process is followed by an intense 17-month program with 55 seminar days, which she described as “truly a life-changing experience.”
Although Katie faced additional obstacles, she persisted in getting lifesaving care. Ultimately, through biopsies, scans and lab work, Katie was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) in February 2025.
“My first reaction was that this diagnosis wasn’t going to interrupt what our toddler needed,” said Katie, referencing Hudson’s level three autism diagnosis the family was simultaneously navigating.
Although initially thought to be stage zero, the diagnosis was revised to be stage two and cancer was also found in Katie’s left breast. After considering care teams and surgeons, Katie opted to pursue the majority of her treatment at Cedars-Sinai in Beverly Hills.
Nick and Katie at Cedars-Sinai in Beverly Hills on the morning of Katie’s first surgery. Photo courtesy of Panici Family.
Two more surgeries and four rounds of chemotherapy followed for Katie, all while working, traveling and raising a family. She graduated from CALP’s Class 53, has served as a keynote speaker at local events and serves on the board for Morning Star Fresh Foods Ministry as well as event coordinator for its annual fundraiser.
Katie continues to use her voice, time and talent to help others. Learn more about her breast cancer journey on YouTube at @KatiePanici.
Q&A with Katie Panici
Q. What advice would you share when choosing a care team?
A. Interview at least two of every doctor you’ll need. Fill your bench with people who love and respect you and will fight for you.
Q. What is your parenting PSA?
A. Children don’t need perfect parents, but they need present parents. Spend quality time with them when you’re not distracted.
Fill-in-the-blank answers
Q. Hidden gem in Kern County: Horse in the Alley Restaurant
Q. Strangest thing in my purse today: Sparkly blue rubber ducky (travel companion from Luca)
Q. Favorite musical group: Zach Bryan
Q. Best advice you have to share so far: Every day is a gift; no tomorrow is promised. Take time to enjoy the moments - little and big - and try to be present in each moment. Always try your best to do the right thing and don’t let others or their opinions of you drive how you live your life. Be grateful and gracious, because every day is a blessing. Lastly, show up for your people and let them show up for you.
