Help Kari Heal: Support Her Breast Cancer Surgery & Recovery

Kari Allen-Hammer is one of my dearest friends in this whole world. She has been a rock in my life and in the lives of so many others—family, friends, community. She’s been there through both tumultuous and joyful times, and has been a second mom to my son for well over a decade.

Kari is the kind of person who always greets you with a warm smile, a nurturing hug, and a steaming mug of herbal tea laced with all sorts of life-giving potions. She also fiercely encourages those around her to live as their fullest selves—and models the fine art of saying “Hell No” when a boundary needs to be drawn.

She is a healer, a wisdom-holder, a community pillar, and one of the strongest women I know. With a PhD in Mind-Body Medicine and a lifelong passion for alternative approaches in wellness, Kari has spent years supporting others on their healing journeys. Now it’s time for us to support her.

The Diagnosis

Last year, Kari was diagnosed with breast cancer, initially at Stage 2, though doctors believe it has grown to Stage 3. True to form, she’s met it with resilience and courage—working full time, caring for her family, navigating insurance bureaucracy, and doing everything in her power to supercharge her mind, body, and spirit for the road ahead.

Despite her efforts, the tumor has multiplied, and another has surfaced in her other breast. Her medical team has now confirmed she needs a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction—immediately.

The Cost

Kari’s surgery is scheduled for Thursday, May 15th, and while insurance will cover part of the cost, her out-of-pocket expenses are steep:

The anticipated cost for everything is around $70,000. We are looking to raise $50,000 to reduce the bulk of the financial burden for her treatment.

Raised funds will cover:

This is not something she can carry alone. It’s hard for someone so strong and generous to ask for help—but that’s exactly what we need to do on her behalf.

A Personal Note From Kari

When I first heard the words "breast cancer," my world stopped for a moment. Like so many before me, I found myself thrust into a bewildering maze of medical opinions, treatment options, and existential questions I never imagined facing.

Last year, when the surgical oncologist laid out his aggressive treatment plan—complete removal of my breasts and uterus, followed by chemo, radiation, and 5 years of hormone therapy—I felt my body recoil. When I asked about my quality of life afterward, his sidestep told me everything I needed to know. Something deep within me knew there had to be another path forward—one that honored both healing and wholeness.

These past months have been a profound journey of research, intuition, tears, and unexpected moments of grace. I've discovered that healing from cancer isn't just about eliminating cells—it's about nurturing the entire ecosystem of my body, mind, and spirit. I've learned to advocate for myself in ways I never imagined, even as exhaustion and fear have sometimes threatened to overwhelm me.

After careful consideration and countless hours of research, I've come to realize that a nuanced approach makes the most sense for my situation. While I'd prefer to avoid surgery altogether, the reality is that continuing non-surgical treatments would cost upwards of $300,000 and consume another full year of my life. The path I've chosen combines necessary surgical intervention with intensive holistic recovery—a bridge between conventional and integrative medicine that feels right in my bones.

I stand now at the threshold of this next phase with equal parts determination and vulnerability. After surgery, my month of intensive regenerative treatments will focus on deep cellular healing and creating an environment in my body where cancer cannot get a foothold again. I am ready to cross into life post-cancer, to reclaim my energy, and to return to the work and people I love.

Through it all, my husband Steve has been my anchor. His unwavering presence, along with that of my family, has been a daily reminder of what I'm fighting for. At the urging of dear friends and colleagues, we've opened our hearts to ask for support—something that doesn't come easily to a couple who usually does the supporting.

Your presence here, reading these words, means more than you know. Whether you can offer financial help, share this campaign, or simply pray on my behalf—I am profoundly grateful. This experience has taught me that healing happens in community, and I feel blessed beyond measure to have you in mine.

With love and deep gratitude,

Kari

How You Can Help

If Kari has touched your life—or if her story resonates with you—please consider donating today. Any amount makes a difference. I've put together a few strategies to help us reach our goal.

We need just 210 generous supporters to reach our $50,000 goal. Every donation matters - whether you can give $100 or $1,000, you're helping make this life-changing treatment possible.

$1,000 Tier (5 donors) Champion Supporter

$500 Tier (10 donors) Guardian Angel

$400 Tier (20 donors) Healing Hero

$250 Tier (40 donors) Wellness Warrior

$200 Tier (50 donors) Recovery Champion

$150 Tier (70 donors) Healing Helper

$100 Tier (15 donors) Hope Provider

If you’re unable to give financially, sharing this campaign or sending words of encouragement is also deeply appreciated.

We have this blessed opportunity to come together to lift up a woman who has lifted so many. Let’s give her some reassurance and peace of mind to focus on healing—knowing that her community is holding her with love, strength, and support.

Thank you from the very bottom to the tippy top of my heart.

Gypsy