This is my journey.

On Sunday December 22nd, 2024, I was standing in the bathroom at work and felt this overwhelming feeling. The best way I can describe it felt like this “impending doom.” I proceeded to pass out and came to sitting/leaning up against the bathroom wall. Not sure how long it was, but it was at least several minutes because when I walked/somewhat stumbled out toward the nurse’s station. I was greeted by amazing co-workers who were my angels that day (hence why 9West will always be the best ) After some coercing with me to go to the ER, considering all I thought I needed was some sleep, my higher self sat down in a wheelchair and they got me downstairs immediately. At this point, my body wasn’t just telling me it needed my help, it was screaming at me.

Prior to this, my mind and body were pretty busy. Between working as a full-time nurse (3 12 hour plus shifts)--training new nurses, being charge nurse regularly– while obtaining a Master’s degree to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. That was life for the last 3.5 years. And in the last semester of my MSN program, my family and I got a very energetic 2.5 month old puppy. With professional and personal responsibilities, I didn't realize how much I truly had on my plate. As much as I enjoyed school, work, and a new pup–it really didn’t give me the option to slow down and take some breaks for myself. Because of that, it all caught up to me.

Back to 12/22/24-12/23/24– after a bunch of tests of all kinds, the diagnostic imaging showed a large mass in the left side of my brain. That Christmas Eve I had emergency brain surgery and was beyond grateful that 95% was able to be removed safely. God gave me the best Christmas gift, another chance at life! ❤️✝️

Fast forward to February 2025, finding out my mass friend had a name. The name being Astrocytoma. Astrocytoma is a type of brain cancer that is affected by the astrocytes in the brain. Astrocytes support and protect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. There are four grades of Astrocytoma and the majority of this tumor was Grade II with a small amount of Grade III. Since Grade III was present, the treatment includes radiation and chemotherapy.

I am grateful to God for how much I have achieved at this point. Because I have had worries, doubts, and fears during this process, even making this GoFundMe has been somewhat of a challenge. I easily give help and support to others like most of us do, and it’s sometimes hard for me to ask the same for myself.

This cancer diagnosis has been a blessing in many ways. This process has me working on myself in a deeper way than I have ever before in order to find my divine purpose in this life. Learning that I AM ENOUGH and I AM WORTHY! Also learning how important we treat ourselves with unconditional love so that we can be aligned with our true essence. And never forgetting how much love God has for us!

Your generosity will help cover previous medical treatment, current treatment, and any other assistance my family and I may need since I am not able to work at this time. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a world of difference. But even more than that, your love, prayers, and faith mean everything to me and my family. I believe in God’s healing power and in the strength that comes from a community of love.

I want to give a huge THANK YOU to my mom (my forever wingwoman!), my family, my friends, my church, and everyone else in between!

I love you all to infinity and beyond!♥️

“God is within her, she will not fall. God will help her at break of day.”-Psalm 46:5

Love and Gratitude Always,

Kara Krueger