Kimi-Karen and I are both 63 and have been dreaming about retirement for years. We had a plan it was simple but exciting: when we turned 67, we were going to rent an RV and travel across America. We talked about seeing the biggest rubber band ball, the Cadillac Ranch along Route 66, the Statue of Liberty, the White House, and so many other sights we’ve only ever seen in pictures.

But life had other plans. At the beginning of COVID, Kimi-Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because of the pandemic, she had to go through surgeries, treatments, and some of the hardest moments of her life largely alone—wearing masks, facing procedures without the normal support system beside her. She fought with incredible strength and courage, and for nearly five years she was cancer-free. Recently we received heartbreaking news: the cancer has returned and metastasized. It’s now Stage 4. We realized we may not get the retirement years we dreamed about together. So we’ve decided we can’t wait any longer.

Kim is not only one of my best friends, but also a devoted grandmother. She lights up when she talks about her grandson, and she hopes to make memories with him and share stories from our travels. She’s the kind of friend who is always there when anyone needs her—generous, funny, and full of warmth. Her laughter and kindness have lifted me and so many others through tough times. This journey is about more than just sightseeing—it’s about celebrating our friendship, cherishing the time we have, and finding joy in the face of uncertainty.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to making this dream a reality. If you’re unable to give, sharing our story with others or sending words of encouragement would mean just as much. Thank you for reading, caring, and helping us create memories that will last a lifetime.