Karen Kostyks Journey Back to Health

 

As people are now aware my mom Karen (which I will call her by her name in this story) has been sick for months and until recently was just notified that she has a tumour growing in her throat. Through all of this she has still managed to go to work everyday without complaining. In the near future Karen will be making multiple medical trips to Winnipeg for doctors appointments, potential surgery and/or Chemo (will know more about the plan once Karen has her appointment with Cancer Care. Once these appointments begin and with COVID, Karen will have to isolate to ensure she does not contract COVID as this can have an affect on surgery/chemo.

 

A little background history: As we all know Karen & Kenny managed the Avenue Hotel for many many years which they believe has been a blessing in their life as they made MANY friends who became family. Karen met the love of her life Kenny at the Avenue back in the 70's, and in 1980 they decided to get married. Together, they had three children of which she raised, continued to work and also became an amazing Indigenous artist with her beadwork & moccasins. Sadly, her eldest and only son James passed away from bone cancer in June 2012 which left a huge void in Karen & her families lives. Karen and Kenny honoured their sons legacy and had a memorial wall for James in the very hotel he grew up in as a kid, and where he would often be found with his parents in the early mornings playing music and pool. Karen was also fortunate to have two loving daughters Tiffany & Sam who are not only her daughters but also her best friends. Karen has also been blessed with three amazing grandchildren who were also like her children.

 

Throughout the years when Karen worked at the Ave, she helped with numerous fundraisers to help out anyone who needed help & never asked for anything in return. Well now is the time, we can help to make this burden a little less for Karen by donating whatever amount you can afford. Anything is greatly appreciated. All money raised will be going to Karen & Kenny for the cost of medical expenses (includes gas, meals, and hotel/accommodations) at this point we are unsure how many appointments will be needed.

We are also aware these are hard times and if you cannot send a monetary donation, please say a special healing prayer for Karen.

 

Myself & my sister Sam will keep this page updated of Karen’s Journey Back to Health.

 

On behalf of Karen, Kenny and family we thank you!