Karen's story is one of extraordinary courage, resilience, and maternal love. What began as subtle symptoms, initially misdiagnosed as uterine fibroids, was later discovered to be Krukenberg ovarian tumours – a secondary cancer that typically carries just a five-month prognosis. Through the dedicated care of Professor David Morris and his peritonectomy team at St George Hospital, we were blessed with two precious years with Karen, far beyond the initial outlook.

Karen faced peritoneal cancer, which affected the cavity holding all her abdominal organs. Her treatment journey included multiple complex surgeries – a full hysterectomy, partial bowel removal, and procedures on her liver and diaphragm. When doctors operated, they found her ovaries had grown to the size of oranges. Despite these challenges, Karen approached each day with remarkable strength and grace.

Throughout her journey, Karen's primary concern remained her two young boys, aged three and seven. She worried about the simplest things that meant the most – whether they would remember her voice, her face, or the depth of her love for them. This profound maternal love drove her to create something lasting for them and other children facing similar challenges.