Help Karen Heal: A Fighter Who Has Always Fought for Others

Help Karen Heal: A Fighter Who Has Always Fought for Others

If you know my sister Karen, you know she is the one who shows up — every time, for everyone.

Karen is strong, self-sufficient, and deeply kind. She’s been taking care of herself since she was a teenager and has always put her family first. She’s a loving mom, a devoted “Mammie” to her grandson, and an anchor for our family in more ways than one.

During the pandemic, Karen didn’t hesitate when our family needed her. My daughter, who has special needs and requires 24/7 care, suddenly found herself at risk of losing the consistent support she depends on. Karen stepped up. She got certified, was hired by the care agency, and became one of her primary caregivers. That’s who Karen is — the person who doesn’t think twice about doing hard things for the people she loves.

But her care doesn’t stop with family. Karen is someone who notices the hurting, the struggling, and the unseen. Like the night she saw a man standing on a bridge who looked like he might jump — she pulled over, spoke gently to him, offered him a Diet Coke (if you know her, you know that’s her favorite), and stayed with him until he safely got off the bridge. Or the winter day she saw an elderly woman using a walker struggling down an icy hill toward the shelter — Karen got out, walked in front of the woman to prevent her walker from going too fast, and made sure she reached safety.

I could share a hundred more stories. That’s just who she is.

But now — Karen needs our help.

Last week, Karen suffered a life-threatening brain aneurysm that ruptured. She thought it was the flu, as she was vomiting for days, but when she didn't improve, she saw a doctor. Within hours of arriving at the ER in Bangor, she was life-flighted to Portland where she underwent emergency endovascular coiling surgery.

The rupture caused a stroke. She is currently in the Neuro ICU and will remain hospitalized for at least two weeks, followed by an extended stay in an Acute Neuro Rehabilitation Center. Right now, she has little to no movement on her left side. Her full recovery is uncertain — but she is a fighter.

Karen will be unable to work for the foreseeable future, and has no short term disability. She will face overwhelming medical bills and loss of income — while trying to focus on healing and regaining her independence.

This is where you come in.

Karen has always been the one lifting others up. Now we’re asking for your help to lift her. Whether it's $5, $50, or a prayer — anything you can give will make a difference.

Funds will go directly toward:

* Medical bills and rehab costs

* Housing and living expenses during recovery

* Support for her while she cannot work

* Equipment or accessibility modifications she may need going forward

Please consider donating and sharing this page. Karen has given so much to her family, her community, and even strangers. Let’s come together to give her the same love and support she’s always given so freely.

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you.

Julie (her sister) and her children Ricky and Nikole and her grandson Koda and her nieces Alexandrea and family and Quinlyn