Katherine Iwalani Moser Planthaber

Katherine Iwalani (Moser) Planthaber was born on 12/22/1965 in Kailua, Hawaii to Dale Edward Moser and Natalie Ruth Moser. In 1969, the family moved to Fairfax, VA. Except for the periods of time Kathy spent in Russia, Scotland, and New York City, Kathy remained in the Northern Virginia area.

Kathy was a philanthropic individual, devoting much of her time to helping others. She was a candy striper at Commonwealth Hospital (Fairfax, VA) when she was a teenager and her altruism grew as time went on.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Greg Planthaber of Springfield, VA and her siblings and their families – Jacob (Nicole) Moser of Fredericksburg, VA, Mark (Diane) of Norfolk, VA, Stephanie Moser of Woodbridge, VA.

She was a regular speaker and honored hero at a number of Leukemia & Lymphoma Society events, where she shared her story and inspired others, including both the 2013 and 2014 Leukemia Ball where she awed and inspired over 2,000 people by telling her personal story/battle with multiple myeloma. She and her husband and a group of wonderfully supportive friends and family have had a Light the Night Walk Team every year since her diagnosis. Team Planthaber raised thousands of dollars and awareness for blood cancer cures. Kathy also acted as a first connection volunteer, giving her time to talk with other newly diagnosed myeloma patients, and share her in-depth knowledge of the disease and how to live with it.