Support Karen & Her Fearless Fight Against Cancer

January 2024

As most of you know, I have been on medical leave since Nov 7 for some reconstruction, and I have since found out that I have stage 4 peritoneal cancer in my pelvis, abdomen and surrounding part of my right lung. During my treatment, I have two goals: fight as long as I can to live as long as I can, and make more memories with those I love. Any contributions you would make to my gofundme page would be used to help with supporting me while I am on unpaid leave and to then supplement my income if/when I qualify for early retirement from my beloved teaching job. I also have a few bucket list activities I'm hoping to tackle with my girls and loved ones. Whether you are able to contribute here or not, please know your prayers, happy thoughts and good vibes are always welcomed. They do so much to fill my cup. Love to all.

December 2022

Hello friends. Writing this is uncomfortable for me. Does anyone really get used to asking for help? I've never been one to back away from asking for help, because I know we all need it. I also know that when people offer help, they mean it. But this feels different. However, at the urging of several friends and family members, here I go.

As most of you know, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer, a very aggressive form of breast cancer, in May of this year. Super scary doesn't begin to describe it. I've spent the last several months fighting it with chemo and immunotherapy. Act 1 of this three-act play has recently ended- no more chemo infusions! And the treatment is working...my mass has shrunk from 3.2 cm to 1.7 cm. With a play, you kinda get an idea of the storyline from Act 1, and we know a little of what's to come (mastectomy,reconstruction, more immunotherapy), but Acts 2-3 remain largely unknown. And friends, some moments, some days are scary as hell. Most days I find myself battling fear, anxiety, worry about all the things...and then there's the OTHER part of my life, because life goes on, right? Being in the middle of a separation and divorce, being a mom, helping Loryn with senior year stuff, running a household, work, the holidays, doctor bills, impending loss of income while I'm out with surgery, being out of sick days, high insurance deductibles...the list goes on. Some days it feels like too much and some days I just do one day at a time, often one hour or one moment at a time.

Hope has been my word from the beginning. It still is, mostly because of all of you. You have shown me about the incredible kindnesses humanity has to offer. I say thanks to each of you, for any past help or help that is to come. Blessings to you for being part of my life and my story. I love you all.

~ Karen Armstrong