Karen is a two-year breast cancer survivor. After a routine mammogram close to her birthday in 2022 showed gray spots, Karen needed to have a biopsy procedure and had to drive hours away to the nearest facility.
Too many people I love have been affected by cancer, we must continue investing in cancer research.
She was diagnosed with ductal breast cancer and received the results on a phone app with no personalized call surrounding the results. After a lumpectomy and 28 days of radiation, her mammogram was clear.
Since her recovery, Karen has been busy serving her community. A retired 911 telecommunicator with over 25 years of experience, Karen’s passion for service extends beyond her professional career, from her membership in the Toastmasters International as the Vice President of Education, to coaching a Special Olympics team.
Karen’s maternal family are from the Nevada area Paiute tribes. She continues to celebrate her cultural heritage, as an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and stays active with the Longhouse for the Seven Drums Religion services, “Washat.”
She continues to endlessly advocate for cancer patients everywhere. She knows the key to finding the cure for cancer is through continued federal investment in research.