First, thank you for being here.

My name is Jovonnie Androy and I’ve known Karen since we were both 4 years old growing up together in Humboldt County, California.
Stephanie Head is a very close friend to both Karen & Dan, she even officiated their wedding! 

We are doing this fundraiser to help Karen Kirby during her different cancer battles.  Including surgeries, recoveries, treatment, and the necessary travel and care.

Karen’s Story

Karen met Dan, on May 22, 2017.  They married in a beautiful, small and intimate ceremony on February 22, 2019.  What should be their happiest days of wedded bliss, this couple has been facing incredibly trying times within a few short months of married life.

Karen suffered the first of four tears in her meniscus of her knee on July 26, 2019 while moving to the Oregon coast. Covid and cancer delayed  treatment. In August 2020 she underwent knee surgery to repair her knee and begin physical therapy.  That was only the beginning of the nightmare medical roller coaster ride.

In November of 2019, Karen was diagnosed with uterine cancer and underwent a radical hysterectomy on December 12.  Karen developed pneumonia and also had blood clotting issues requiring injections which were a serious setback in her recovery.  This delayed any treatment for her cancer diagnosis.

Less than 5 months later, Karen was in the care of a Cardiologist after a very scary hospital stay and AFIB diagnosis.  It’s now May of 2020, and the first height of the Coronavirus pandemic.

She soon discovered that she had an abnormal area on one of her breasts.  After 4 mammograms, 3 MRIs, 4 CT Scans with contrast, along with more laboratory bloodwork testing than she can remember, Karen was diagnosed with both the rare Paget’s disease and a breast cancer called DCIS.  She had her first of two breast surgeries surgery on Friday, November 20, 2020, in Seattle, Washington at the University of Washington’s Medical Center which is associated with the well known Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. On December 10th they had to go back in and remove more tissue because they were not successful in removing all of the breast cancer.

As residents of rural, coastal Oregon, Seattle Washington is a 6 hour one way drive without traffic. The Coronavirus pandemic combined with the tragically devastating wildfires that have wreaked havoc on the entire West coast of the United States, Karen and Dan have had to navigate through extreme expenses for safe travel and housing for Karen’s medical treatments.   From November 15th 2020 through today they’ve spent 48 nights in a hotel. This doesn’t include travel for her other surgeries prior to the breast cancer.

Karen is a self employed baker who specializes in magical custom cakes and has been unable to work for over 18 months.  Dan is the sole provider and caregiver for the family. Thankfully he is able to work remotely, often burning the candle at both ends, and has the insurance benefits for them.  All of her medical care has required significant travel and expenses. She is emotionally and physically exhausted.

Anything you can do will help her greatly. Donating, sharing this fundraiser, sending prayers, all so that she can focus on her next surgery, the recovery, and treatment. They are currently in paid housing in eureka. It’s the first month of the year and all of the deductibles and out of pocket medical expenses have started all over again. Your kind donation will go directly to Karen to help deal with the financial repercussions of her current condition, so they can move forward with the most important task of getting her treatment and head towards healing. Please help if you can. Karen is currently in Eureka, California receiving radiation therapy. You can contact her directly She is sending you love and wishing you well.