Karen’s Story

When Karen Kerr was diagnosed with breast cancer on July 7, 2022, her life didn’t just change medically—it shifted entirely in how she saw the world around her.

“Getting a cancer diagnosis actually made me realize I was giving my life to the wrong things,” she shared.

Before her diagnosis, Karen had spent years building a career she loved. But in the stillness that followed, she gained a clarity she hadn’t had before.

“I was in a place that I now see was toxic. It made me realize I needed to get out.”

After treatment, she made a significant change—leaving that environment behind and stepping into a new chapter.

“Now I try to focus on more important things—family, maintaining my health, and enjoying my life.”

Her diagnosis didn’t just interrupt her life—it redirected it.

In those early days, her reaction wasn’t one single emotion, but a constant back and forth.

“One minute, I was in disbelief, and the next, I was totally accepting of it,” she said. “I modulated back and forth between these two feelings for a long time.”

Interestingly, it wasn’t the long-term outcome that scared her most.

“I don’t remember being scared of the possible outcomes, but more about treatment—especially chemotherapy. That really scared me.”

And as she stepped into treatment, Karen quickly realized just how relentless the process could feel.

“The most surprising thing about treatment for me was that no matter how bad I felt, things kept going—there was always a next step. Cancer patients are expected to sprint a marathon.”

Through it all, support became her anchor.

“First and foremost, my friend Pat San Pedro was a rock for me,” she shared. “I called her immediately and she got the ball rolling for me to connect with an amazing oncologist.”

That immediate action—having someone step in, take control, and help navigate the unknown—made an enormous difference.

Her support system extended far beyond that.

“My family—my mom, sister, and brother—were very supportive, even though they didn’t live in the same state as me.”

Her daughter showed up in deeply practical ways.

“She took me to treatment, helped clean my condo…”

And her boyfriend was there for the day-to-day care that often goes unseen.

“He made sure I ate and gave me back rubs.”

There were also moments that brought light into a very heavy time.

“My sister got everyone in the family T-shirts that said ‘Team Karen!’ and everyone wore them and sent me pictures at the end of chemo.”

It was a simple gesture—but one that reminded her she wasn’t doing this alone.

Looking back, Karen recognizes how much perspective she’s gained—not just about her diagnosis, but about her life as a whole.

“Every year, every month, every day is special to me,” she shared. “I feel like I’ve had a lot of growth and understanding of my feelings about my cancer. I’ve gained clarity looking back on everything that I didn’t have during treatment.”

That clarity shapes the way she now shows up—for herself and for others.

Her advice is both practical and deeply personal.

“Attitude is everything,” she said. “Having and maintaining a positive attitude can impact how your treatment goes and how you deal with setbacks.”

But just as important is self-advocacy.

“Advocate for yourself. You know how you feel, what support you might need, and how best to deal with all the emotions.”

And when it comes to supporting someone else through cancer, Karen keeps it simple and honest.

“It’s not about saying the right thing. It’s about saying or doing heartfelt things for the person who is diagnosed. If you’re unsure what to do or say, just be honest and ask them how you can support them.”

Karen’s story is one of clarity, growth, and intentional change.

A reminder that while cancer can take so much, it can also reveal what truly matters—and give you the courage to choose it.