Sending love to Doug Rund

All that know and love the Rund's know how inspiring and courageous their story has been.

Karissa was known for her resiliency, bravery, dedication and abiding service to God, unwavering friendship, lover of life, and delighter in the victories of all those around her.

Karissa's story is one that speaks loudly to these known characteristics. She referred to herself as a super-survivor.

She would say "I believe God has given me a story to tell - one that I pray will give hope. Life didn't turn out like I'd hoped, but I'm here because I believe God has called me to reflect His light in dark places. Being here is a gift, and I don't intend to waste it - this gift of life. As a super survivor, I harness the lessons of a very difficult life to help people live their most joyful life."

Karissa was a Columbine shooting survivor, war widow, battled stage 4 cancer for 10 years, and the biggest encourager most of us have ever known. Her mission of service to people, proclaiming the hope of God despite pain and suffering, and being a light despite darkness - this legacy has changed her corner of the world. Her presence in this world was a gift.

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Karissa met her Savior in Glory on March 3rd, 2025.

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What many didn't see was the behind the scenes service and grace of Doug Rund, Karissa's husband.

Doug, day-in and day-out, selflessly and unwaveringly served Karissa in her sickness. If you had the privilege to witness their love, you are changed because of it.

He tenderly and attentively cared for her every need, noticing the little details, knowing just how she wanted/liked things. He kept up with every medical appointment/procedure, jargon, medication, keeping close tabs on every little detail of her care. He was her advocate at 2pm or 4am.. the time of day didn't matter. He rolled up his sleeves and served her faithfully with vulnerable medical procedures. He cooked, he cleaned, he shopped, he organized their life. He played with her, delighted in her, celebrated her, encouraged her, and stayed by her side through every turn of their story together.

Never in the 10 years that I witnessed his service to her did I witness anything but patience, sacrifice, tenderness, grace, and love.

Doug was Karissa's safe place. In her final days, she would often share that her greatest concern was that of Doug. Would he be taken care of? Would people come alongside of him?

Yes, babe. We're here. We're ALL here.

With a loss as significant as the loss of Karissa, we're all wondering "what can we do?".

We can't do much, but we can love on Doug.

We can make this season a bit less burdened. We can give him space and time to celebrate, grieve, and process. We can give him an opportunity to remember Karissa in a unique way. We can give him relief. We can show him how loved he is, and how his story is also seen.

Any and all resources given in this campaign will be directly given to Doug Rund, to use as he wishes.

Thank you for loving Karissa.

Thank you for loving Doug.

They impacted us, but you also impacted them.

What a gift to know, and be known.

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ALL are welcome for the upcoming services to honor Karissa:

A funeral service will occur Friday, March 14, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at LIFEGATE Denver, 10200 E Girard Ave Building D, Building D, Denver, CO 80231.

A reception will occur Friday, March 14, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at LIFEGATE Denver, 10200 E Girard Ave Building D, Building D, Denver, CO 80231.

A committal service will occur Friday, March 14, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Golden Cemetery, 755 Ulysses St, Golden, CO 80401.