Support Bob After Losing Karen to Cancer

Hey family, this fundraiser is dedicated to my parents Bob & Karen Rynearson.

My mother Karen became very sick rapidly about 6 weeks ago and things escalated fast. She was admitted to the hospital two weeks ago for severe abdominal pain. After many tests and scans they found infection and cancer in multiple organs in her body. Her liver cancer was diagnosed at a stage 4 and her body was beginning to shut down. After a few days and getting her pain under control they sent her home since there wasn’t much that could be done. Her wishes were to not proceed with any treatment that would have her on machines. Once she was home she seemed to make little improvements, but those were followed by larger setbacks. The pain medication was making her nauseous and uncomfortable around eating and drinking. She became increasingly more uncomfortable and in pain. My dad spoke with her and they decided to call an ambulance and take her back to the hospital. Once admitted they made her as comfortable as they could, but in a short period of time she was receiving her food and water through IV lines and she stopped speaking. It was absolutely heart breaking. My dad never left her side. My brother Dakota and I joined at the hospital and spent as much time holding her hand, telling her we loved her, how thankful we were for her and all the things she has done for us. We prayed over her for peace and comfort and to prepare her for her transition. She was never alone. Her Dr. even asked to pray with us over her and held my hand.

Momma took her last breaths and passed Mother's day night. Our hearts are completely broken, but we are so thankful she’s not suffering any longer and that her pain and discomfort was brief.

There is much to process and navigate in the coming days and weeks. With all this happening in such a small amount of time our family financially couldn’t be in a more unprepared place. Aside from medical bills and planning and preparing a celebration of life for my mother, my parents home is also a little past half way through being remodeled and there is much that needs to be finished to get the place prepared for my dad. The week my mother was admitted my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease as well. My parents were doing a lot of the remodeling themselves however in my dad’s condition he hasn’t been able to do as much and my mother was doing most of the work.

First and foremost prayer is everything, so thank you to everyone who has been supporting us and coming a long side us through that means of grace. Any financial support provided would be a huge practical help as well. If you are interested in volunteering your time we will be doing a lot of the remaining work on the house in the coming weeks and months.

Mom’s celebration of life will most likely take place in June. The official date is to be determined.

If you would like to donate directly to our family you may send donations through Venmo @Caitlin-Rynearson