Karen’s Story ~ A Daughter’s Love
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I'm reaching out today because I've finally started a GoFundMe to help my best friend, Karen Odegaard, and her family during a very difficult time emotionally and financially.
I met Karen about four years ago and we became fast friends. Many of you know just how wonderful and unselfish she is in every aspect of life. Karen has always found a way to help those who needed her no matter what was going on in her life.
Shortly after meeting Karen, she invited me to share Thanksgiving with her and her entire family. This is when I had the pleasure of meeting her parents, Deb and Keith Carder, who welcomed me without hesitation and are now considered family to me.
I have the honor of calling this remarkable woman my best friend. She has helped me in so many ways over the years. It is time for me, along with all of you, to show her just how important she is to us all.
THE JOURNEY
In April 2018, Karen's Mom, Deb Carder, was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Butterfly Brain Tumor. This is one of the most aggressive, fast growing and likely to spread brain cancers out there. The average survival time is 12-18 months.
According to the doctors prognosis, Deb was given only 6-8 months. I can't even fathom how extremely difficult this was for Deb, Karen and the entire family to comprehend.
On April 30th, Deb had surgery to remove the tumor. The surgeon was only able to remove 60% of the mass as the "butterfly" portion would be far too difficult to remove. The next step was six weeks of daily chemotherapy and radiation treatments combined. On July 9th, after Deb's last treatment the doctors ordered an MRI to determine if the aggressive approach they took had helped.
Despite all of this, the tumor continued to grow at an even faster pace.
Days later, while at home, she fell and ended up on the floor for three hours before 911 was called. She was admitted to St. Francis Hospital where she remained for 11 days. After undergoing tests, it was determined that Deb would need continuous care and was moved to Elmbrook Inpatient Rehab on July 24th. Her doctors, surgeon and cancer team confirmed that there was nothing else they could do for her, sending her home August 14th and suggesting Hospice care.
In the beginning, Karen would make the drive to Milwaukee and back home to Fort Atkinson on a daily basis to help her Mom, all while working a full time job. Karen's husband and children rarely have gotten to see her since as you can imagine.
A DAUGHTER'S LOVE
Once Karen's Mom was sent home in hospice care, she made a promise to her that she would never put her in a facility. A child's love proves to be much stronger than anything we've ever known. We would move Heaven and Earth to see our parents and loved ones spend the last moments of their lives the way they've chosen. Karen's Mom wanted to spend her last days in the comfort of her own home.
You see, Karen's Mother requires 24 hour care and Karen has been the primary caregiver since August. Hospice, extended family and friends have helped as much as they possibly can, but she needs our help now more than ever.
THE COSTS
Karen's family is now struggling to make ends meet, as she continues to not only make sure her parents household is taken care of, but her home back in Fort Atkinson as well. Trying to take care of two households financially is extremely difficult today.
Eventually after her Mothers passing, Karen's Dad, Keith (who is disabled), will be moving from Milwaukee to Fort Atkinson and into her home so she can better care for him. This will not be easy for them emotionally or financially, but A DAUGHTER'S LOVE will persevere.
If you could support my GoFundMe Campaign by making a donation and sharing it with your network, I would greatly appreciate it. I know that money is tight, so please know that even $5 helps get me closer to my goal.
Let me know if you have any questions and I will be happy to answer them.
Tracy
I met Karen about four years ago and we became fast friends. Many of you know just how wonderful and unselfish she is in every aspect of life. Karen has always found a way to help those who needed her no matter what was going on in her life.
Shortly after meeting Karen, she invited me to share Thanksgiving with her and her entire family. This is when I had the pleasure of meeting her parents, Deb and Keith Carder, who welcomed me without hesitation and are now considered family to me.
I have the honor of calling this remarkable woman my best friend. She has helped me in so many ways over the years. It is time for me, along with all of you, to show her just how important she is to us all.
THE JOURNEY
In April 2018, Karen's Mom, Deb Carder, was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Butterfly Brain Tumor. This is one of the most aggressive, fast growing and likely to spread brain cancers out there. The average survival time is 12-18 months.
According to the doctors prognosis, Deb was given only 6-8 months. I can't even fathom how extremely difficult this was for Deb, Karen and the entire family to comprehend.
On April 30th, Deb had surgery to remove the tumor. The surgeon was only able to remove 60% of the mass as the "butterfly" portion would be far too difficult to remove. The next step was six weeks of daily chemotherapy and radiation treatments combined. On July 9th, after Deb's last treatment the doctors ordered an MRI to determine if the aggressive approach they took had helped.
Despite all of this, the tumor continued to grow at an even faster pace.
Days later, while at home, she fell and ended up on the floor for three hours before 911 was called. She was admitted to St. Francis Hospital where she remained for 11 days. After undergoing tests, it was determined that Deb would need continuous care and was moved to Elmbrook Inpatient Rehab on July 24th. Her doctors, surgeon and cancer team confirmed that there was nothing else they could do for her, sending her home August 14th and suggesting Hospice care.
In the beginning, Karen would make the drive to Milwaukee and back home to Fort Atkinson on a daily basis to help her Mom, all while working a full time job. Karen's husband and children rarely have gotten to see her since as you can imagine.
A DAUGHTER'S LOVE
Once Karen's Mom was sent home in hospice care, she made a promise to her that she would never put her in a facility. A child's love proves to be much stronger than anything we've ever known. We would move Heaven and Earth to see our parents and loved ones spend the last moments of their lives the way they've chosen. Karen's Mom wanted to spend her last days in the comfort of her own home.
You see, Karen's Mother requires 24 hour care and Karen has been the primary caregiver since August. Hospice, extended family and friends have helped as much as they possibly can, but she needs our help now more than ever.
THE COSTS
Karen's family is now struggling to make ends meet, as she continues to not only make sure her parents household is taken care of, but her home back in Fort Atkinson as well. Trying to take care of two households financially is extremely difficult today.
Eventually after her Mothers passing, Karen's Dad, Keith (who is disabled), will be moving from Milwaukee to Fort Atkinson and into her home so she can better care for him. This will not be easy for them emotionally or financially, but A DAUGHTER'S LOVE will persevere.
If you could support my GoFundMe Campaign by making a donation and sharing it with your network, I would greatly appreciate it. I know that money is tight, so please know that even $5 helps get me closer to my goal.
Let me know if you have any questions and I will be happy to answer them.
Tracy
Organizer and beneficiary
Tracy Wiedenhaft
Organizer
Fort Atkinson, WI
Karen Lyn Odegaard
Beneficiary