Near the end of October, Karen began to experience chronic back pain that led her to the emergency room. What evidently seemed to be a non serious emergency, quickly led to an earth shattering diagnosis. The doctors discovered a tumor through her spinal X-ray they believed had spread aggressively. A biopsy took place to find that the tumor had in fact spread to her lungs, liver and bones. Karen was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 pancreatic cancer and given 6-8 months to live. To know Karen, is to know sunshine in the human form. She embodies a level of radiance that is undoubtedly infectious. Karen plays such a pivotal role in the lives of so many and continues to impact so many people that come along her path. Karen’s bravery and resilience throughout life has always been remarkable and is no different given her diagnosis. She is facing her diagnosis head on and began her heroic battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and started her first round of chemotherapy on October 31st and will continue to undergo intensive and aggressive chemotherapy for the time given.

The time she has left on this earth is ultimately limited and unknown, however, we as her family will continue to provide comfort, love, strength and guidance through this difficult journey. All proceeds will go directly to Larry “Judge” and Karen Norberg in help supporting her care and to ease medical debt that will incur from chemotherapy since she is now, in her words, “forced into early retirement.”