Help Karen Fight Breast Cancer #KarenStrong

Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing this letter to let you know that I am starting this GoFundMe to help Karen Andrews, who is experiencing a medical crisis, and I need your help!

Karen Andrews is one of the most kind, caring, loving and nurturing individuals I know–and I’m not just saying that because she is my mother! She has dedicated her life to helping people, specifically in her career as a nurse, which is both a physically and mentally strenuous job. For those who know Karen’s past, you know that she has experienced a variety of medical problems, with 7 hip surgeries already under her belt. Unfortunately, we have yet another challenge ahead of us.

Karen was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in late September 2023. She has had 2 tumor biopsies, multiple doctor appointments with her oncologist and the surgeon, bone scans, CT scans, and an echocardiogram–just to name a few. She had COVID in the middle of all this which slowed down her treatment for 10 days which has been frustrating for her. She was set to have the mastectomy on Nov. 7 but on Nov. 1 her protocol was changed due to her tumors having grown significantly since her diagnosis. Her clinical team ultimately decided it would be better to start off with chemotherapy. She officially started chemotherapy on 11/9, which will eventually be followed by surgery. She will have chemotherapy once a week for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week recovery period, double mastectomy, and then followed by another 4 weeks of recovery. Her prognosis is good with treatment with a remission rate in the 90-95th percentile. It is an arduous protocol ahead for her, but she is #KarenStrong and ready to fight!

Her goal for this fundraiser is $16,000. For 2023 she has $5500 remaining in medical bills and in 2024 it will be $10,500 out of pocket. She will not be able to work during her treatment, so she is currently receiving short term disability for 3 months. Once disability ends, she could use some help paying household bills and unanticipated medical bills. The chemotherapy has already proved to be very taxing on her body , as she has already spent a night in the ER due to adverse effects.

I deeply appreciate your kindness and anything that you are able/willing to help -every penny counts! I know Karen is grateful for all the love and support she has already received from all her friends! Please also consider sharing this fundraiser via your social network to spread awareness!

With gratitude,

Bryan Andrews