Karina Lee Howe health update

11/23/23

Dear family and friends,

On this day of giving thanks, and what would have been Karina's 55th birthday, we wanted to share an update about some beautiful milestones for Karina's family this year!

We also think of Karina's endless contributions, and want to express our gratitude for her life and for your connections to her.

In May, Taylor graduated from Monte Vista High School!

In September, Brett moved down to Santa Barbara to attend UC Santa Barbara!

In September, Taylor moved to San Luis Obispo to attend Cal Poly!!

Alson & JoAnn Lee, Karina's parents, are about to celebrate their 83rd birthdays! And in 2024, we will step into their year, the Year of the Dragon!

We wish you an incredible holiday season and start to 2024!! We are deeply grateful for your connection, support, and experiences with Karina and family!!

In love and grace,

The Lees & Howes

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11/4/21

Dear family and close friends,

With much love and sadness we wanted to share that Karina passed away peacefully early this morning, 11/4, with family at her side. In the evening yesterday, her health declined very rapidly. The process was much faster than we anticipated, and for us was an unexpected turn in terms of her time left with us.

We are so grateful for all of your love, care and support.

Due to the pandemic and our capacity, we will not have a public memorial service. We plan to gather with family in the coming weeks.

For those who would like to support the family, please visit https://gofund.me/3fead048. 

Please feel free to share this new link as well. (It is not associated with the old one created in 2018.)

If you have any questions, you can contact Lenora by email [email redacted] or phone (415) [phone redacted]. 

In love and grace,

Lenora, Perry, Hunter, Brett, Taylor, Kate, Alson, JoAnn, and Tony

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11/3/21

Dear family and close friends,

 

We hope you are well, staying safe and healthy.

 

We write to you today to let you know about a quick decline in Karina’s health. She has been dealing with ongoing pain and fatigue, and in recent months has experienced a crescendo of rapid decline. For several days this past week she has been unable to eat or hold down food and liquid. Sunday night 10/31 she was admitted into the ER at Kaiser Walnut Creek. After some initial blood tests and CT scan, it was determined she is suffering from acute brain bleeding caused by the cancer which has spread to the brain. The bleeding is significant, ongoing, and secondary to the cancer that has severely damaged her skeleton and organs. We are in the process of bringing her home under hospice care, and will be caring for her there in her last days.

 

Many people have asked how they can help Karina and the family during this challenging time. We appreciate your thoughtfulness as we transition her back home. Our most immediate needs are in providing financial stability for medical expenses and the children’s ongoing support.

 

Karina and Perry recently had to close their joint physical therapy and chiropractic practice, due to stresses on the family and capacity.

 

We want to thank those of you who have also provided nourishing food and support for Karina and the family throughout her battle with cancer since 2018. While this is a challenging time for us all, we want to recognize that Karina loves and cares for you all who have been in her life, and has shared she wanted to express this to you.

 

If you feel moved to support financially, please use this new GoFundMe site https://gofund.me/3fead048 , as the old one will be inaccessible to us upon her passing.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Lenora by email [email redacted] or phone (415) [phone redacted].

 

We are incredibly grateful for you and all that you have shared with Karina,

Lenora, Perry, Hunter, Brett, Taylor, Kate, Alson, JoAnn, and Tony

 

 

photos by Robbie Sweeny