As the director of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, I had the privilege to meet Karen when she spoke at two of our events. She wowed us all with her humor, bravery, inspiration and beauty. Last Friday, we shared your family’s tribute to Karen with our colleagues. Here is just some of what they had to say:
Dr. Susan Peterson of MD Anderson: Thanks for sharing this sad news. Karen's courage and commitment reaffirm our efforts in colon cancer prevention.
Jo-Ellen DeLuca of United Ostomy Associates of America and CRC survivor: Karen will be much missed, leaving a hole in our midst. I picture her taking snapshots of Heaven of those gone before! Fly high, Karen!
Dr. Jon Greif California’s Colorectal Cancer Coalition: That’s so very sad. Karen was the absolute highlight of this year’s conference, an inspiration to us and a joy to all who had the privilege of seeing her perform. Please pass our condolences on to her family and friends.
Debbie Kirkland of ACS: Amazing and inspirational woman!
Erica Breslau of National Cancer Institute: What a beautiful tribute about Karen and I thank you for sharing the sad news with us. We need a thousand more with Karen’s courageous voices for this insidious disease. She was a brilliant and wonderful survivor who will be missed by many. Thank you for bringing her into our lives in 2016.
Dr. Beth McFarland of American College of Radiology: We are so privileged to have had her presence at our meeting. Truly a remarkable fight she fought. I will always remember her. Prayers to her family and friends who were so touched by her.
Marta M. Sánchez Aracil of the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center: I had the honor of being in the 2016 NCCRT and enjoyed her energy and experience. It is sad to lose someone from this terrible disease. She was young, talented. I hope her testimony and example may save lot of lives. My prayers and thoughts are with her family.
Karen made a difference, and we were so grateful to have had the chance to know her. Our sincerest condolences to you and your family.