Kristen's constant smile, determination and will to live have been a great source of inspiration to all those who call her mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend and teacher. 

Kristen, Steve and their 3 kids 2007

Kristen is one of the sunniest, happiest people I know. She lives simply and enjoys watching her children grow, teaching kindergarten, spending her free time second hand shopping and being with friends.  

Our Kristen has endured so much in her young life having survived breast cancer and then Grafts vs Host disease shortly after. The picture of her family above was taken during her battle with breast cancer.  Kristen is a fighter and is simply just happy to be alive and have a second chance.

However, her life and her family's life was turned upside down on a Monday August 15, 2016.  

Kristen was planning to do something she loves..(and is very skilled at!!!)...2nd hand shopping.  She arrived at Value Village, in Marysville, WA to enjoy some quiet time browsing. She had just stepped out of her car and was walking toward the front door of Value Village when the driver of a van backed out of a parking spot too quickly and struck and knocked Kristen to the ground. Kristen hit her head on the pavement, suffering a fractured skull and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Kristen was rushed to Providence Hospital in Everett where she was immediately put on a ventilator.  We weren't sure if she would make it through the night.  

She underwent a 4 hour brain surgery to stop the bleeding and reduce the swelling. Kristen had a rough first night and sadly, a second brain surgery was needed the following day as the swelling was not improving.  

Kristen 2 weeks after being hit by a car, finally enjoying her first cup of juice. She was unable to swallow until this day. 


Kristen enjoying her first bites of food - 17 days after being admitted 

Our amazing Kristen is a Primary School Teacher to 20 young children.  She is a wife, and a mother of 3 beautiful kids. 

Kristen with her Primary kids

The kids, where Kristen teaches, want Kristen back. They want to sing songs with her, read stories and snuggle on her lap. Her smile and cheerful humming will be greatly missed as we start school in the coming weeks. She is in all of our hearts.


This GoFundMe was created to cover any out of pocket medical expenses and to help the family cover lost wages.  

Thank you for helping this wonderful family get through this difficult time. Every little bit, no matter how small, adds up to a huge amount of love.  

The Carney family is incredibly grateful to everyone for their support. For the meals, the visits, the calls and the donations. 

Please join Kristen's CaringBridge site to keep up to date on her progress. 

Love, 
Kristen's family and friends