#KaraStrong - Kara, Lotte and Sean Fitzpatrick

Hi Everyone,

As many of you know, Sean & Lotte's 3 year old daughter Kara was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma on Christmas Eve.

Everything accelerated quickly over the month of December. Sean and Lotte noticed a lump on Kara’s jaw and they visited the doctor. They performed some tests, bloodwork, etc. and had a follow up on Monday the 21st where the doctors said they hadn’t ruled out Lymphoma. Kara had an MRI on the 23rd which showed that she had a brain tumor. Her diagnosis was confirmed as stage 4 neuroblastoma on the 24th and Kara started a chemotherapy treatment on Christmas morning in Freiburg, Germany.  Kara was completely asymptomatic-  she even went hiking the week before her diagnosis. 

Kara spent Christmas and New Year's in the hospital and our family began to explore where Kara could get the best medical care possible. Neuroblastoma, which is commonly Stage 4 when diagnosed, is a rare form of pediatric cancer which affects ~700 children in the US every year. For a variety of reasons, it was critical to bring Kara to the US for her treatment. Kara, Sean, and Lotte arrived in Philly on January 14th for Kara to begin treatment at CHOP. Kara completed her first chemo treatment there on January 23rd.

Kara faces a long battle ahead but she is going to fight. She is in great spirits, playing and laughing, watching her shows and causing trouble the way only 3 year old's can (Kara turns 4 in March). There will be tougher days ahead but Sean and Lotte are strong, Kara is stronger, and our family will support them every step of the way.

A pediatric cancer diagnosis is unfathomable for any family and we are fortunate our parents were able to bring Kara to CHOP where she will receive the best care available. Adding to this unbelievable challenge for Sean and Lotte is that they upended their lives in Germany in an instant, leaving behind their home, their car, and other valuables. Kara, Lotte, and Sean will now be in the US for the foreseeable future. We have started this GoFundMe to help them meet their financial obligations in Germany while they are in the States for treatment and to assist with other unexpected expenses that may arise over the next few years. 

Any contribution is greatly appreciated. Most importantly, please keep Kara, Lotte, and Sean in your thoughts and prayers.

With Love,

Matt, Lauren and Conor Fitzpatrick