50k to Help Kris Carlsen Fight Cancer

We are organizing this GoFundMe for our beautiful and brilliant friend, Kristin Carlsen, as she and her family embark on an epic battle against a very aggressive form of bone cancer.

For those who don't know Kris's journey with cancer, she battled and beat a very rare form of soft-tissue Synovial Cell Sarcoma back in 2007. The tumor was lodged deep in her left glute muscle. Remarkably, that cancer was detected early and was surgically removed, along with a large portion of the glute muscle. Radiation treatments were next, followed by quarterly, then annual, scans and bloodwork. Kris was declared cancer-free in 2012, with annual checks continuing.

Since then, Kris has had 10 fantastic and cancer-free years, but the risks of the radiation treatments have always loomed in the background. Annual checks and scans became a way of life, along with ongoing PT and treatment for pain and reduced mobility of her left hip. The possibility of an early hip replacement was always top of mind.

Fast forward to last fall - pain in the hip was significantly worse, and walking became difficult. Kris made an appointment with her specialist to have her annual x-rays and was prepared to discuss having a hip replacement sooner than later.

The news she received instead was devastating and will prove to be life-changing. The scans showed a large, aggressive mass in her left pelvic area. Her doctor suspected high-grade Osteosarcoma of the Acetabulum (bone cancer of the hip), likely caused by the radiation treatments she had received previously. Many more scans, biopsies, tests and procedures later, the diagnosis was confirmed.

This is aggressive cancer - and treatments will be equally aggressive - and life-altering. An initial round of chemo will start this week. The goal is to shrink the tumor so surgeons can see exactly how much bone and surrounding tissues are affected. Surgery will follow. Since the affected bones are in the pelvis, removing the cancerous bone will likely result in having no structures to which to attach leg muscles, tendons, and nerves; Kris is expecting to lose her left leg in this process. You can read all of the details of Kris's story in her own words by following this link: Kris Carlsen's CaringBridge

Needless to say, the financial impact of Kris's treatments and the adaptation of their home to be accessible will be massive. Please consider donating to help support Kris and her family as they embark on this difficult journey.