Caring for Kari: Support Ongoing Cancer Journey

We are reaching out to family, friends, and kind souls in support of our friend Kari, who is in the process of battling cancer. Kari is a mom to Leah, partner to Joe, and a fierce friend to many. Kari pours love and support into her friends and community, and we are hoping to provide support and give back to her through this trying time.

In July, Kari noticed that her left breast felt “different,” but figured it was nothing as she had had a breast cancer scare that turned out to be nothing in 2019. Her doctor ordered a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. However, Kari felt too busy with working and parenting to follow up on it immediately. When the “different” feeling persisted, she scheduled the diagnostic tests at the end of September 2024.

At the testing, the doctor told her she needed a biopsy as soon as possible because her ducts were filled with abnormal cells. The next week, she had her biopsy, and a few days later, on October 2, 2024, she got the call that it was DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). Due to how extensive it was, she would need a mastectomy and also hormone blockers because it was estrogen and progesterone positive.

A few weeks later, they met with a surgeon for a consultation. At that phase, Kari elected to do a double mastectomy (a prophylactic mastectomy) as a preventative measure and to save herself from the anxiety of regular scans for the rest of her life in her other breast.

Kari had the double mastectomy on November 13, 2024. Unfortunately, pathology came back several weeks later and revealed that there was additional cancer in the tissue. They discovered it was stage 1, HER2+, which is a very aggressive and quick-growing cancer.

At an oncology appointment on January 6, 2025, Kari learned that she would need 12 weeks of chemo and immunotherapy infusions. That treatment plan will be followed by immunotherapy infusions every 3 weeks for one year. The next step for Kari is surgery to place a port on January 20th and chemotherapy will begin the following week.

During this time, Kari has had to step away from her job so she can focus on her treatment, recovery, and well-being. The out-of-pocket expenses are upwards of $20,000, and we are hoping to ease her financial burden. Funds raised will support Kari’s out-of-pocket expenses that insurance does not cover, which includes integrative healing, groceries, and childcare.

Kari is an eternal optimist and has continued to show positivity and strength during this process. However, the physical, emotional, and financial toll has become extremely heavy. Kari is one who will always help others before herself. We are organizing this fundraiser on her behalf. She is truly deserving.

As Fred Rogers said, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

Thank you for being part of Kari’s journey.