Karen's Cancer Contributions

Hi, my name is Rob Orsino, and I am fundraising on behalf of a dear friend of mine, Karen Wenhold.

 

Recently, Karen has been diagnosed with Primary Peritoneal Cancer, either stage 3c or 4. This advanced form of cancer is life-threatening and requires extensive treatment with chemotherapy and surgery. Though Karen's medical insurance will cover many treatments, Karen will still have medical expenses. In addition, and more importantly, Karen will inevitably be limited in her ability to work. She will not be able to cover her everyday living expenses without assistance from her friends and family.

 

This is where we come in.

 

Anyone who knows Karen is aware of her immensely generous spirit. She is the first one to give and the last one to take. Even if you have only known her for a day, you probably heard her say, "Is there anything that I can do to help?" If you are reading this page, Karen has probably helped you or your family through her kind words or good deeds.

 

This fundraiser is our opportunity to pay her back. For her friendship. For her kind words of support. For her generosity of time and spirit. For the million little things that she has done for others without ever expecting to be repaid. It is our time now.

 

The initial goal of $12,500 is what we estimate that Karen will need to pay her monthly bills for the balance of 2022. Combined with her limited income, this should be enough to allow her to remain in her apartment and be supported by those closest to her. The funds raised here will be sent to a bank account dedicated for donations to Karen. Bills can be paid from this account, or money can be transferred to Karen's primary checking account to cover everyday expenses.

 

Please be as generous as your means will allow in these difficult times. Even if you can only make a small donation, it will send Karen the affirmation that you want to be part of her fight. Let her know that you want to be there for her, just as she has been there for others. Any support you can provide is greatly appreciated.

 

I will leave you with one thought as you consider your contribution: If it were your diagnosis instead of hers, how do you think Karen would respond when she heard the news?

 

BACKGROUND OF KAREN'S CONDITION AS EXPLAINED BY HER GOOD FRIEND, MISSY PAUL

Hi all! Sharing a brief history and plan update for Karen.

 

For those of you who don’t know what’s happened…

Karen thought she was gaining a little weight around the middle a few weeks ago, feeling bloated and tired. But nothing specific. As the days progressed, the amount of fluid increased, and so did feelings of exhaustion and shortness of breath while performing everyday activities. She went to her GP, got some tests done, spoke to GI and got more tests done. Eventually, she landed in Lansdale Hospital from March 18th to 23rd, where they did, guess what? More tests! They also drained fluid from her abdomen twice (Ascites), totaling about 9 liters! Can you imagine how uncomfortable she must have been? So by the time she was discharged, the doctors weren’t sure but called it Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer.

 

On March 25th, Karen went to see Dr. Edelson affiliated with Jefferson Abington, at Asplundh Cancer center in willow grove. He explained what they knew for sure and created a treatment plan.

 

Without getting into too much medical terminology, he explained that the preliminary diagnosis for Karen’s cancer is Primary Peritoneal Cancer Stage 3c or 4. This cancer is essentially the same type as ovarian, Fallopian tube, or omentum cancers.

 

The next Friday, April 1st, a portacath was placed for access for chemo. Karen also had another “tap” inserted to drain abdominal Ascites. In addition, a needle biopsy of the tumor was done to double-check the diagnosis and establish a baseline for future testing.

 

Treatment has been scheduled to begin on April 13th. There will be three cycles of chemo (taxol and carboplat) administered every three weeks to shrink the tumors.

She’ll have approximately a four-week break before having surgery to remove the cancerous cells and tumors. Following surgery, there will be another four-week period for her to recuperate. Then three more cycles of chemo every three weeks.

 

Many of us have been touched by a friend or family member who has had cancer. There may be many ideas and experiences to share about the best way to treat it. We appreciate that, and if you’d like to share them with Karen, there is a Friends of Karen Wenhold Facebook group, which is the best place to do that. However, Karen had three friends with her at her appointments. She is confident that the treatment plan described above is the right path forward for her at this time.

 

Everybody is different and reacts differently to cancer treatments; Plans may change. Please continue to check the Facebook Group for updates.

 

Thank you so much for reading this lengthy post and caring for Karen. Please continue to pray and reach out to her via text to respect her feelings and privacy. She'll get back to you if she’s feeling up to it. I’ll also gladly try to respond to any medical questions based on what I understand when able by DM.

Lots of love and thanks for this great group and Karen!

-Missy Paul