Join Kara’s Journey In Her Fight Against Leukemia

To All Who Know and Love Kara Lesinszki-

On March 10th, Kara went to the ER at Toledo Hospital after a month of migraines, strange bruising and all-day nose bleeds. Doctors immediately admitted her to the ICU and diagnosed a life-threatening, rare blood cancer called APL—acute promyelocytic leukemia. Kara has been in the hospital receiving life-saving treatment ever since. APL had caused both bleeding in her brain and blood clots in her heart, spleen and kidneys. Thankfully, the damage to her organs seems to be healing and the cancer treatment appears to be working. With luck, Kara can be discharged from the hospital soon and her prognosis is very good. However, to beat this cancer, she will require extended treatment as an outpatient, undergoing infusions of cancer drugs and regular testing. During this time it is unclear how much she will be able to work and her medical bills will continue to grow.

Kara did not have health insurance when she was diagnosed and the acute, life-threatening nature of APL made it impossible to delay treatment for even a day. Since her admission, every effort is being made to secure medical coverage for her, but the situation will take a large toll on her finances no matter how the insurance situation unfolds. For years Kara has been the primary wage earner for herself and her mother, who has had her own serious health issues. Kara also supports her dog, Clementine, and three cats while working toward her bachelor’s degree at UT. She only has three classes left.

We, some of Kara’s dear friends, are reaching out to her community to ask for help. She has touched so many of us throughout the years. Whether you know her from her management role at Brew Coffee Bar or her time at UT or St. Ursula, you know she is undeniably special. Kara has filled our lives with love and laughter. A steadfast friend and daughter, she is always there for the people she loves and sometimes those she barely knows. Kara is also an incredibly hard worker and is looking forward to getting out of the hospital and back on the job as soon as possible, but medical safety has to come first. As her friends, we hope to ensure she gets every bit of medical care the doctors recommend and to take some of the financial pressure off during this difficult period. If you can afford to make a donation, even $1, we will be tremendously appreciative. All donations will be collected and sent directly to Kara. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

With love and gratitude- Jamie Thees, Anna Gustine, and Morgan Sides