Support Karin's Fight Against Ovarian Cancer

In August, our dear friend, Karin was diagnosed with HG Serous Cancer, Stage 3 Ovarian. She had major debulking surgery in September to remove as much of the cancer as possible and is now undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

HG Serous Ovarian is an aggressive form of cancer, but the good news is that it generally responds well to chemotherapy. Karin has been prescribed a very aggressive chemotherapy plan and has recently completed her third round.

If you know Karin well, you know how independent she is. Karin is a powerhouse —a true inspiration, the embodiment of ‘if you put your mind to something, it can be done.’ She is a loving, single mother of two beautiful young children: Freya, who turns 6 years old on Christmas Eve, and Elis, who just turned 2 years old before Thanksgiving. She is an entrepreneur who runs her own pottery studio. She’s the fun mom, the supportive friend — the type of person who juggles it all with love, and grace, and rarely asks for help. This illness has forced her to slow down and is testing her in ways no one should have to endure.

We created this GoFundMe page to rally support and awareness for Karin and her sweet young family. We want Karin to know how loved she is and that her community is strong. Let’s come together to lighten her load so she can focus on her family and fight this thing with everything she’s got!

Karin's Journey:

At the end of March, Karin began experiencing persistent side pains that initially felt muscular. Visits to a chiropractor provided some temporary relief, but the pain continued. Eventually, she underwent a CT scan, which revealed a mass on her liver. Further testing, including an MRI, showed tumors on her ovaries. Combined with the results of a CA125 blood test, the doctors strongly suspected cancer, though the full extent would remain unclear until surgery.

The weeks leading up to her operation were a whirlwind. Shocked and devastated but determined, Karin focused quickly on getting life in order, lining up childcare, managing home and business responsibilities, and preparing for major surgery. She hoped for the best—that surgery would go well, the tumors would be benign and she could move forward with healing—but prepared herself for the worst. The surgery would not only confirm the diagnosis but also guide the next steps in her treatment.

On September 23, Karin underwent an 8+ hour surgery. It confirmed the diagnosis of cancer, which had spread further than initially anticipated. Recovery from this major abdominal surgery was intense. Karin needed time to heal and regain her strength before starting chemotherapy. After six weeks of focused recovery, she began chemo and is still undergoing treatment.

Ways to Support:

Every bit helps and every gesture is very much appreciated

• Donate to this GoFundMe

• Take a pottery class at The London Clayworks

• Send positive thoughts and prayers

Your Contributions Directly Support:

• Medical expenses

• Childcare support

• Living expenses during treatment

A Note About Her Children:

Freya knows her mom is sick and is receiving medicine to help her get better, but Karin has chosen not to use the word "cancer" around the kids for now. If you see Freya and Elis, please avoid mentioning cancer. We want to maintain their sense of security while Karin goes through chemotherapy treatments.

Thank you for standing with Karin and the kiddos.

-Liz & Melissa