In October of last year, our family received life-altering news: my sister Karen was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, MSI-High. From the very beginning, we committed this journey to the Lord, trusting Him even when the road ahead felt uncertain.

Karen courageously began chemotherapy and completed four rounds of treatment. Then, on January 3, 2026, an unexpected intestinal blockage sent her to the emergency room. After urgent evaluation, doctors determined that immediate surgery was necessary. What could have been seen as a devastating turn became, in our eyes, a divine redirection. Through this surgery, doors were opened for immunotherapy—now considered one of the most effective treatments for MSI-High cancers. We truly believe God intervened at a critical moment, guiding her medical team and positioning Karen to receive the best care possible.

Many of you know Karen as the heart behind Ricos Pastes and Empanadas, our family-owned restaurant in Shelbyville, Tennessee. She poured herself into that business with love, excellence, and generosity. After much prayer, counsel, and discernment, our family made the difficult decision to close the restaurant indefinitely. This allows Karen to focus fully on healing and ensures that her strength, time, and energy are devoted to treatment, recovery, and being present with her family.

With the restaurant closed, a primary source of income has been removed, while medical expenses continue to increase. Between surgeries, hospital stays, ongoing treatments, medications, travel for care, and day-to-day living needs, the financial weight has grown heavier than we can carry alone.

Creating a fundraiser like this is not something that comes easily to our family. It requires humility and vulnerability. But we believe God often uses community as His hands and feet. This page exists to create a space where, if you feel led, you can partner with us—through giving, prayer, and encouragement—to support Karen, her husband Aldo, and their daughter Julieta during this season.

If you feel led by the Lord to give, we invite you to partner with us in supporting Karen, Aldo, and Julieta during this season. No amount is too small. Every gift helps lift the financial burden so our family can focus fully on healing, rest, and recovery. Please also consider sharing this page and covering Karen in prayer.

We are deeply grateful for every prayer, message, and act of kindness already shown. We are standing on God’s promises and believing for healing—physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial. We trust that the same God who opened the right doors for treatment will continue to provide, sustain, and restore.

Thank you for walking with us. May God bless you for your generosity, love, and faith.