Support Karen’s Spinal Cord Injury, Cancer, and Transition of Life Fund

Karen is one of those rare people whose energy, positivity, and laughter light up any room. She radiates compassion, and has a way of making you feel seen, heard, and valued. Karen is a true free spirit, always looking for the best in every situation. She remains hopeful and holds onto that same positive outlook that has carried her through some of life’s toughest challenges. 

Over the past three years, Karen’s life has been turned upside down by a series of devastating health diagnoses. She was initially diagnosed with an intramedullary spinal tumor, a stage IV meningeal melanocytoma located at T7-T8. This resulted in a spinal cord injury, leaving her paralyzed from the chest down. Recently, her condition has worsened, and she has been diagnosed with metastatic intermediate-grade meningeal melanocytoma, with progressive metastasis now affecting the T1 and T8 areas of her spine. To add to this, she had an additional mass removed from her colon on January 3, 2025, and she is now living with a colostomy bag. Since her initial diagnosis, Karen has already faced significant financial challenges. She used her savings and retirement funds to cover the costs of surgery, radiation, and physical therapy, along with the home adaptations needed to accommodate her new physical limitations. However, her out-of-pocket medical expenses continue to add up, ranging between $640 to $700 per month. These expenses include vital medications, medical supplies, and therapies that are not covered by insurance—diapers and toileting supplies ($175/month), infusion therapy for neuropathy ($150/month), and nerve health supplements.

Karen’s FMLA leave was approved, but her last paycheck was on December 6, 2024, and with no income beyond that, she is struggling to cover her basic needs. She has applied for short-term and long-term disability benefits, but approval may take 3-5 months, leaving her in a precarious financial situation.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Karen’s diagnosis, and she needs your help to comfortably transition into her next existence beyond this life. Karen’s outlook on death is just like her positive outlook on life. She does not fear death; instead, she sees it as a rebirth into something unknown.With your generous contributions, Karen will be able to continue her treatments, manage her pain, and access the care she needs to be comfortable in her remaining time on earth. This support will give Karen the dignity she deserves, helping her stay surrounded by family and friends without the burden of financial stress.Karen wants to remain focused on love and connection, and your donations will make that possible. This is about more than just financial support—it’s about giving Karen peace of mind, comfort, and the ability to continue living the way she’s always lived: with joy, laughter, and positivity.

How You Can Help:

1. Make a Donation: Any amount you can contribute will go directly to Karen’s medical and living expenses. Every donation, no matter how small, is deeply appreciated and will make a difference.
2. Spread the Word: Share Karen’s story with your friends, family, and social networks. The more people who hear about her journey, the more likely she is to meet her goal.
3. Send Messages of Love: Words of encouragement, memories, or prayers are invaluable to Karen during this time.

Please consider sending her a note of support—it will mean the world to her.