Help Karen Continue to Climb Five years ago, Karen was told by a doctor that she had ALS. But the truth is, Karen has been fighting this battle for six years—with the same fierce determination, competitive spirit, and strength that have defined her entire life. Karen moved West from Florida because she loved the mountains and snowboarding. She has always loved a challenge and has excelled at everything she has set her mind to. Today, ALS is the biggest mountain she has ever faced—and Karen has chosen not to surrender to it. She is determined to keep living, keep fighting, and keep searching for ways to maintain her strength and independence. But Karen's greatest accomplishments have never been medals, careers, or mountains. They are her two sons, Kyler and Keagan. Karen raised her boys as a single mother. Kyler is now an adult, while Keagan is just 12 and still lives at home. Both boys are loving, supportive, and fiercely devoted to their mom. They have stood beside her throughout this journey and continue to encourage her to live life—not simply survive her diagnosis. We are asking for your help so Karen can continue to care for herself, be there for Keagan, and experience life with her family. ALS has changed what everyday life looks like for Karen, but it has not changed who she is. Her mind remains as sharp as ever. Her passion, determination, humor, love for her children, and desire to keep moving forward are still there. Her body may no longer function the way it once did, but Karen refuses to let ALS define the limits of her life. Financial support can help provide the practical resources that make independence and family life possible, including: - A wheelchair-accessible van: Karen will soon receive a wheelchair weighing approximately 400 pounds, making a wheelchair-accessible vehicle essential for family outings, shopping, school functions, entertainment, and everyday activities. Her medical transportation is currently provided through Medicaid, but transportation for everything outside of medical appointments remains a significant challenge. - Keagan's summer camp and transportation: Camp has cost approximately $450 per week, plus transportation costs of about $10 each way. These opportunities are important for Keagan to enjoy a normal childhood, friendships, activities, and experiences. - Private-pay caregivers: Karen sometimes needs assistance transferring, transporting her wheelchair, and participating in family outings. Private caregivers can cost approximately $30–$60 per hour. - ALS-focused therapy and training: Karen works with the Neubie machine and a trainer to help maintain and build muscle strength, at approximately $85 per session, three to four times each month. - Supplements: Approximately $300 per month goes toward supplements Karen uses to support her health and ALS-focused wellness efforts. - Clothing: Approximately $30 per month helps provide clothing for Karen and Keagan. - Evie, the family cat: Monthly pet supplies cost approximately $50, with about $200 needed annually for veterinary care. Evie is an important part of their family and a source of companionship and comfort. These expenses may seem small individually, but together they create a tremendous financial burden for a family navigating ALS. Every contribution matters. Whether you can give $5, $25, $50, or more, your support can help Karen maintain her independence, help meet Keagan's needs, and give this family opportunities to continue living life together. And if you aren't able to contribute financially, sharing Karen's story is just as valuable. Please consider sending this fundraiser to friends, family, coworkers, community groups, or anyone who may be willing to help. While you may not personally know Karen, I can tell you that she has been a beacon in the lives of many people. She worked with preschool children because she believed every child deserved a loving, enriching beginning that would help them succeed. She has surrounded herself with friends who adore her and who want nothing more than to see her continue to thrive. Karen has spent her life helping others. Now, she needs a little help from us. ALS may have taken away some of Karen's physical abilities, but it has not taken away her determination. She has faced this diagnosis with courage and has continued to fight for herself and her boys. She isn't giving up. She is climbing another mountain. Please help Karen continue that climb. Your generosity can help provide the medical support, mobility, caregiving, transportation, and everyday necessities that allow Karen to remain an active mother and continue making memories with Keagan and her family. Please give if you can. Please share if you can't. And please help us give Karen and her boys the support they need to keep moving forward. With gratitude, Thank you for standing with Karen, Kyler, and Keagan.
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