Help Kari O’Brien & her kids beat breast cancer!

Please give generously to support Kari O’Brien, a single mother of 2 and a Kindergarten teacher, who is fighting a fierce battle against breast cancer. Due to the aggressive treatment plan, Kari is currently on disability and unable to earn her normal salary to support basic needs for her kids and also to cover all of her medical bills. All of the money raised will go directly to Kari.

Kari’s story began in April 2023 upon undergoing a hysterectomy as a preventative measure against the BRCA 1 gene mutation that Kari shares. Kari’s mother, Cheryl Haas, passed away ten years ago of ovarian and breast cancer; who gave Kari the greatest blessing of knowing that she was a BRCA 1gene carrier to be more proactive with cancer prevention. While preparing for Kari’s surgery, she noticed a lump in her breast. Within two weeks of her hysterectomy, she was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer. There were two tumors found; Progesterone Positive in the right and Triple Negative in the left. Both cancers were invasive growing at the same time, but the left cancer moved into her lymph nodes causing metastasis. Given the types of cancer and Kari’s young age, her doctors recommended an aggressive treatment plan. Over the course of the next two years, Kari will undergo chemotherapy, immunotherapy, a double mastectomy, radiation and reconstructive surgery.

Kari is a loving mother to two wonderful children (Ricky, 8 years and Kailyn, 10 years), who are Kari’s world. As you can imagine, the past months have already been extremely difficult as her entire family processes this sudden and heartbreaking news. Kari is one of the strongest, most caring and lovable people we know. She has already started a 24 week treatment of chemotherapy - this journey is exhausting and she is handling each day, one day at a time. It is going to take a village to support her and her kids through this.

 

Please help support a selfless servant, teacher, and mother. Our hope is that we will be able to help Kari with the cost of living expenses, medical bills, and meals, to show her that she is loved and appreciated by our community during this unimaginably difficult time. Any donation, no matter how big or small, is greatly appreciated. Let’s rally together to uplift Kari and remind her that she is not alone in her journey towards healing.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Matthew 25:33-36

Thank you in advance for your prayers, compassion, generosity and support! On behalf of Kari, her children and extended family, we thank you!