I am Karen Adams. I have been married to Daniel for 24 challenging, but wonderful years. We share two beautiful daughters (my little miracles) Kimora (13) and Kierstin (9). I am completing my degree that I had to postpone during my treatment process including the one I am in now. I have four more classes to go! My purpose is to encourage, enlighten, uplift and edify all who I come in contact with! I desire to make a difference in someone’s life, by spreading love and hope!
In June of 2017, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductile Carcinoma Her2+ and Estrogen +. My treatment consisted of 6 rounds of chemo, double mastectomy, oophorectomy, reconstruction, and 5-10 years of Tamoxifen. I am currently experiencing bone pain and lymphedema; however, I am not going to let that stop me, I still have life and love to give!
A friend of mine who has gone through breast cancer told me about Go Jen Go! I was out of work during my treatment, however the bills kept coming! I couldn’t help meet the needs anymore, and the stress was building up. My two daughters (at the time were 10 and 6) were affected by everything I was going through. I couldn’t play with them or spend quality time with them like I had before, because chemo made me sick.
I didn’t want them to be sad and destitute because I had cancer. So, I asked if Go Jen Go had a fund for summer camp, and to my surprise they did! My daughters went to the camp of their choice and enjoyed every bit of it! Go Jen Go provided financial support to my household which was a major blessing, and lifted an enormous amount of pressure off my husband! If that wasn’t enough, here is the icing on the cake…Go Jen Go sent a MOUNTAIN of gifts to me and my girls for Christmas! We were so overwhelmed, it was like we HIT THE JACKPOT! Although they asked me to give them a list, I thought it would have been a blessing just to get this or that! But all I can say is, I was speechless! So, the cherry on top was that Mr. Joe himself, came to deliver all those presents to our home! When I found out who he was, my husband and I wrapped our arms around him! The tears were definitely flowing!
If you are facing a cancer diagnosis, don’t panic! Stay calm and breathe! You may not realize it right now, but you are stronger than you think. You are a fighter, so stay in the fight, never give up, and keep holding on no matter what! Surround yourself with people who truly love you and those who will cheer you on! There are so many resources that support people like us, take advantage of everything you can. Don’t feel as if you can’t have a sad day, you are going through a battle, let no one… I mean NO ONE, tell you how to feel! If you feel like crying then cry, if you feel like screaming then scream. After you release, relax and take it one day at a time, YOU GOT THIS! Remember, you are not alone.