As some of you have recently heard, Karen was hospitalized on Tuesday, 1/13, with complaints of shortness of breath. While admitted, doctors found that she has pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in her lungs) and immediately started her on blood thinners. Upon further testing, they found some other concerning issues and decided to admit her and dive deeper into what was causing the blood clots.

Tragically, Friday, 1/16, doctors found their answer - stage 4 pancreatic cancer that has spread to other areas throughout her body.

Karen returned home the following Wednesday and was planned to start treatment in March. Unfortunately, early this morning, 2/11, Karen had a fall that ended her up back in the ER. She is currently being treated for various issues at a nearby hospital but her health seems to be declining.

This catastrophic news has been extremely difficult for us to digest. Although things are very fresh and more information will come, there is no doubt that the road ahead of us is steep - both emotionally and financially.

Given the rapidness of this disease, we are graciously asking for assistance on behalf of Karen to aid with the care she will need at home.

Karen currently lives with her son, Matt, daughter-in-law Rachael, and her two grandchildren Naomi (10) and Alice (6) in the Poconos. Both Matt and Rachael work full-time and are unable to dedicate the level of care needed for her at this time. We are seeking assistance to support in-home medical care to keep her comfortable.

We truly appreciate your support and will keep updates posted as they come.