Karen’s Medical Bills

This fund is dedicated to Karen Ann Nelson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

On November 17, 2018, in the ER at a local Phoenix hospital, Karen was informed she had cancer. Karen had been dealing with illness throughout the year, but after repeated doctors appointments, ER visits, and various testing, no abnormalities were found, and her symptoms were determined to be the side effect of her diabetes medication. Upon her last ER visit, another ultrasound was performed and the cancer was detected. In the days following the shocking news of her ultrasound results, Karen and her family were informed it was Stage IV Uterine cancer. This stage is known to have a very small survival rate past 5 years, but in true Karen fashion, she stated, “Someone has to be the 16% .”

Karen began inpatient chemo therapy treatment in the following weeks, however, after two treatments her body became too weak to continue treatment. Despite her deteriorating condition she kept fighting, working with physical therapy to show her doctors she was strong enough to keep fighting and praying her lab work proved well enough each day to allow her to continue treatment. Karen’s battle could best be described as a rollercoaster. She kept her treatment team on their toes. For every low day of poor lab results, severe nausea, vomiting, pain, and weakness came a high day of increased strength, improving lab results, joking, laughing, memory making, and restratigizing the plan, proving to us all she wouldn’t give up.

Throughout Karen’s life her positive attitude, selflessness, sense of humor, and kind spirit made everyone around her love her. This was no different after her diagnosis. Her oncologist rightfully named the positive impact she had on everyone around her, “The Karen Effect”.

It is with great sadness to say, Karen was unable to continue treatment. While she came extremely close to restarting chemo, her state of health kept taking one step forward and two steps back. On January 11, 2019, Karen was moved to home hospice. On January 12th at 12:05 am, eight weeks after her diagnosis, Karen was called home to God. She passed in the comfort of her home of 30 years in Phoenix, Arizona, surrounded by her loved ones.

To her family, one of the most comforting thoughts is knowing that so many people were able to experience what a beautiful soul Karen is. Throughout the last 8 weeks Karen received more support than she ever would have dreamed. It was further confirmation to her that she fulfilled her purpose on earth and led a life well lived. While her physical form is no longer with us, her memory lives on in every person blessed to know her, every act of kindness she bestowed upon us, and in her spirit that lives eternally.

Karen, you are forever loved and deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, Karen’s family is accepting donations to help offset the cost of Karen’s 7 week hospital stay and medical treatment.