Meet Kari

Unfortunately, Kari peacefully passed in the early hours of July 8th, 2026. She had all of her family by her side, holding her hand and caring for her. We are now using all donations to pay for any unpaid medical/funeral bills. We thank you so much for all your support.

For nearly two decades, Kari Barnes has faced cancer with extraordinary courage, determination, and hope.

After her second cancer diagnosis in 2008, Kari committed herself to exploring every possible avenue to heal and strengthen her body. Time and again, she defied expectations. Through relentless research, lifestyle changes, integrative therapies, and an unwavering spirit, she often achieved results that surprised even her oncologists.

But cancer is relentless.

In October 2023, Kari was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. Since then, she has continued fighting with the same strength and perseverance that have carried her through so many challenges before. Each time she seemed to gain ground, the disease adapted, forcing her to search for new answers and new hope.

A Difficult Decision

One of the greatest challenges Kari has faced has been deciding how to move forward with treatment.

After witnessing firsthand what conventional cancer treatment did to her mother, Kathleen, Kari was understandably fearful of taking that path herself. She wanted a treatment plan that would not only target the cancer but also support and strengthen her entire body throughout the process.

That search led her to the Block Center in Skokie, Illinois.

A New Opportunity

At the Block Center, Kari has found an approach that combines the best of both worlds: evidence-based conventional cancer treatment alongside comprehensive integrative care designed to support her overall health, quality of life, and recovery.

Now, Kari has been offered the opportunity to participate in an advanced personalized treatment program called T.Y.M.S.

This program goes far beyond standard cancer treatment. Specialists will analyze samples of Kari's tumor tissue, study her unique genetic mutations, and spend hundreds of hours developing a treatment strategy tailored specifically to her biology. Instead of relying on generalized approaches, the goal is to identify the precise weaknesses of her cancer and create the most targeted plan possible.

For Kari, this represents something precious: another chance. Another option. Another reason to keep believing.

Why We Need Help

Like so many families facing a long-term illness, we have poured everything we can into this journey.

Over the past several years, we have covered the costs of integrative doctors, supplements, medical equipment, specialized therapies, and off-label medications. We have done everything possible to give Kari the best chance at healing.

Unfortunately, insurance covers only a portion of the conventional treatment and none of the integrative care that helps support her body through the fight.

The costs for this next step are significant:

$18,000 for the one-time laboratory testing and extensive research needed to create Kari's personalized treatment plan.

$9,794 every three months for supportive IV therapies that are not covered by insurance.

Time Is Critical

Kari has been placed on the waiting list for the T.Y.M.S. program, and the team expects her spot to become available within the next two months.

Our goal is to have these funds in place by August 15, 2026, so that when her opportunity arrives, finances won't stand in the way of treatment.

How You Can Help

If Kari's story touches your heart, please consider donating. No amount is too small. Every contribution helps move her one step closer to receiving this potentially life-changing care.

And if you're unable to give, sharing this page with your friends, family, and community would mean the world to us.

Thank you for taking the time to read Kari's story, for keeping her in your thoughts and prayers, and for helping us give her every possible chance to continue this fight.

With gratitude,

The Barnes Family