As my friends and family know, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in February 2021. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy followed in quick succession.

The cancer diagnosis changed my life and my family's life. I am a mother of four, an avid tulip gardener, kayaker and a homeschooler. I wanted to return to doing the things I love.

Fortunately, my ProHealth oncology team was amazing. I was met with kindness at every blood draw, comfort and privacy during infusions, and support at every appointment. They respected the suffering I was enduring, helped remedy it and helped me find a way to live well through all of this.

I am so honored to be chosen as an ambassador for this year’s LakeWalk in Oconomowoc. I would love to offer a message of hope amidst the struggle. It's hard. It feels never-ending at times. I have learned to let things go and focus on what is good and lovely.

I hope you will join me either physically or in spirit. Your support means so much to me and to anyone facing a cancer diagnosis.

Kari