Karen is the most loving mother to her two awesome kids (Kyleigh 11 & Erhan 9) and has been an amazing wife to one of my little brothers (Frank). She has been a great sister and sister-in-law, a supportive aunt, always a true friend, and even a bit of a therapist when needed. Straight forward...Karen is everything to everyone.

Almost a year ago Karen was at the dermatologist for a simple skin tag removal when she questioned a mole. The mole was biopsied and on July 15th 2015, Karen was given shocking news that she had Stage 3 Malenoma. Karen and Frank have taken this battle head on and hand in hand. They continue to be fantastic parents and an exemplary husband and wife. Frank has been a Correctional Officer for over 16 years and his insurance has taken care of so much (multiple surgeries, doctor visits, prescriptions, and home medical supplies) but there is the everyday stuff that has been adding up over all these many months.

Frank has burned through his saved personal, sick, and vacation time from work and due to all the needs at home is no longer available to work much needed overtime to accommodate the added expense of copays, the gas to and from the doctors, and any additional time needed off from work to take care of his family.

Karen has been through so much (the original diagnosis, 3 surgeries, skin flap removal and lymph biopsy, her lymph node dissection (removal, left groin) resulting in lymphedema and wound exploration from infection and necrotic (dead skin) in lymph node dissection wound). Moral support only gets you so far and they need and deserve so much more. We are not asking for a tremendous amount and they would be grateful for every penny.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please share my sister-in-law's story any way you can.