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With a less than 10% chance of survival, doctors and nurses were preparing family and friends for what they presumed inevitable. An “Angel” was watching over Karen as she survived 2 mild heart attacks, a blood clot in her brain, kidney failure, and respiratory failure just to name a few.The bacteria was so aggressive Karen lost her nose, part of her right ear, hearing in both ears, her hair, her entire top lip, and skin grafts on almost every part of her body. Karen received multiple blood transfusions and over 30 surgeries. When she finally opened her eyes after being in a coma for 15 days everything had changed. She and her loved ones realized life would no longer be the same and the road ahead would be long and challenging. Prior to this illness, Karen had a heart full of dreams. Today, Karen has a heart full of courage.
After five months in the ICU, Karen moved in with her mother who had to leave her job to be Karen’s full time caregiver. Even with insurance, Karen still has many uninsured illness-related expenses such as: modifications for a vehicle since she recently learned how to drive again, accessible modifications to the kitchen and bathroom, wheelchair accessibility in and out of the house, speciality doctor visits, and tooling aids to help with daily tasks. Karen hopes to return to work one day, but all these expenses will not be something she can financially handle even with returning to work.
Recently Karen was faced with yet another challenge, when her brand-new prosthetic arms were stolen right off her front porch. An out of state company shipped the package, containing Karen’s high tech prosthetic arms and supplies to her home. The value for everything shipped was well over $80,000. Unfortunately, there was no insurance, no signature required, and no fair warning the arms were even being sent by the shipper. Due to the fact no signature was required and Karen had no prior knowledge of the package being sent; the box was left by the shipping company on the front porch when no one was home. The alleged thieves not only took items that were high in cost, but more importantly very valuable for Karen’s future and independence. The arms were especially fitted and customized for over a year to fit Karen alone. No one can sell or even wear the arms besides her. Despite many efforts made by Karen, her family, and friends to get the box returned back to her home, no one came forward to return her prosthetic arms.
To help offset such expenses, a fundraising campaign in Karen’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 30 years. In 2000, they expanded their mission to include those who have sustained a catastrophic injury or more recently, a catastrophic illness. All contributions are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Southwest Catastrophic Illness Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for illness-related expenses only.
Karen is in good spirits and is filled with optimism as she continues to strive to become fully independent. We are all inspired by her strength, dedication, and perseverance. Please keep Karen in your prayers. With the support of her family and friends, we can help Karen reach her dreams and inspire in her a flame of courage that will burn brightly through the challenges that lie ahead.
The Friends and Family of Karen Crespo
CALL TO IMMEDIATE ACTION:
Over the weekend, thieves made off with $100,000 worth of new prosthetic limbs for Karen. You can watch the story from ABC7 News here:
Please consider making an end of year tax-deductible contribution to help offset Karen’s ongoing medical expenses.
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Hello Karen, I watched your story on youtube, you are an inspiration!! My 4 year old daughter was just released from hospital after bacterial meningitis. God bless you and your family!!
Julie from Vancouver
Hello Karen, I heard about your story. I would like to share that I am also a meningococcemia survivor. I know it's not easy, but hang in there.
Melanie Marzo
Hey Karen, I heard about your story on LA 18 Kababayan. God really touch my heart to find you and I'm really sad this has happen to a good nice person like you :( Stay strong always, never give up on hope; because you have so much people loving and helping you Karen <3 May The Lord Jesus Christ be your provider, healer, and carry all your burdens always. Amen.
Dary :D
Karen, I am so outraged to hear what happened to you, I can't believe someone could be so callous. My prayer is that somehow, God will speak to their hearts & they will return your arms & legs, keep the faith, love,
Mary from brea
Karen, your story outraged me. I have to help. I will spread the word night and day on all my networks. I am so sorry this happend to you. I will keep you in my prayers and make sure you get justice. Xoxoxo
Alexis Armijo
Karen: You're a remarkable woman, nurse and inspiration. Just to see your short interview on abc7 was a sign of how much you have to give to this world no matter what disability you have! I've been a nurse for 44 years and have seen much in that time. Courage and a positive spirit like yours is rare and encouraging! May the Lord continue to bless you abundantly!!
sharon Stretz, RN (graduated 1970)
Karen, your story touched me tonight. I hope you get your package back. God is great and all things are possible with him. God bless you and your family.
Cesar
Karen, As a RN myself and a fellow resident of West Covina I am encouraged by your courage and strength and angered that your limbs were stolen by someone who thought more of self than the recipient of that package. God bless your future journey. May you continue to encourage others with your strength.
Ynette J.
FobSister <3 jakeishag.blogspot.com
Jigga
Hi Karen, I wish you the best in you recovery. Every memory I have of you, you are always smiling. I know you are strong and that you will overcome every challenge in life. Please let me know how I can help you. If you are up to seeing visitors Andrew and I would love to see you and catch up. Andrew wants you to remember Mr. Sausage. Love, Jennifer and Andrew Farinas
Jennifer Haith Farinas, Irvine, CA
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Karen Anne Crespo
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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