Cal Club Autocross Forums

I think most everyone has already heard, from Facebook, that our Karen passed away yesterday afternoon.

She had successfully conquered an especially insidious type of Lymphoma, called T-Cell Lymphoma, about 1.5 years ago. After a rest, she started an 8 week long procedure that cumulated in a Stem Cell transplant. This procedure was suppose to protect her from a recurrence of Lymphoma, for as much as 10 years. A couple of weeks ago she had her one year check-up and was given a clean bill of health. CT scan, blood panel, check up with the oncologist. A few days later Karen started having the runs. She's very stoic and a bit stubborn, so it took a few days and pain to get her to go to the ER. I posted on Facebook that we were going to have to spend the night as they checked out her vitals and blood.

A week later she had suffered kidney, liver and spleen failure and faded away ... peacefully and painlessly.

One of the main other problems was a partial GI obstruction. They couldn't operate because her platelets were super low. They would give her platelets and whole blood but it would immediately fall again. You can't be cut without platelets. You'll just bleed out. Yes, I asked them about self sealing laser scalpels. We had a huge team of doctors and specialists. They were completely stymied. An autopsy is being done to get to the bottom of this.

She never completely recovered after the stem cell transplant, losing 70 lbs ... she would be the first to admit to being a bit over weight to start with ... and thus losing a lot of strength and endurance. She also always had a recurring sharp stabbing pain in her abdomen that didn't help. She was on opiates for quite a while but then got off of them by herself and tried just using Tylenol and Ibuprofen. She was having to take too much Advil so they prescribed something in between a couple of weeks ago. We NOW have found out that she had liver damage that could very well have been causing the pain. The liver was likely damaged by the earlier massive chemo therapy regimes. She was only doing the Advil for a couple of weeks. The doctors never were able to give us a good explanation for the pain ... nerve damage, chronic pain, tumor scar tissue.

Karen was a great ambassador to our sport. From being the cheerful Gate person, to helping out in the trailer, teaching the ladies school, and lending out her cars, especially to new women racers. She gave folks like Stan their first rides.

Renee Angel and Karen got along great:

... then Karen discovered track events ... got her SCCA Club License ... and had just started before having to shelf it. We kept the cars in case she could make a comeback to her favorite activity, but now it's time to sell them off. I will be posting here before putting them on Craigs list. '03 "SSP" Z06, ex-Brian Peters Vette, largely de-moded 10 AE NB, The Miata race car is already listed here: http://www.trackhq.com/forums/f377/fs-1 ... post131243

I'm so sorry to hear this. I never had the pleasure of meeting Karen in person. I only knew her online. I could tell that she was loved by many.

RIP, Karen.

Thanks for posting the pictures Mako. Brings back some fond memories of Karen and Renee. She will be missed!

Hope your doing alright my friend. I hope you can make it out soon to spend some time with friends, share some Karen memories, and get a few much needed hugs.

My sincerest condolences to you and the families,

George

Karen was always so cheerful and willing to help out. My condolences.

Such sad news, we love you both.
Thanks for being such a rock for her to hang on to during her struggle.

Thanks for the great photos Mako.
We will miss her and her fabulous smile !

Mako, you and Karen are both special peep's. I greatly enjoyed the one evening I came over and visited when Karen came home from the hospital the first time. I only saw her a few times after that, but that evening and every time after that, she was so full of life, no matter what she was enduring at that point in time. We should all be so blessed.

I'm glad I got to know both of you a bit over the years. Karen will be missed, but... your also missed. Would love to see you back out when your ready.

Shocked! So sad and so sorry!

Mako - truly sorry to find out.

Her smiles and joy around the events have been missed and will continue to be remembered as a joy to see and share. Thank you for the great pictures of Karen enjoying life.

Wising you and the families comfort and piece through this time.

I feel like I just saw her last week at the Imagine Lifestyles event. She was so full of life and very happy to get back inside a fast car on the track. She was so determined to get her life back. I am so sorry to hear this. In fact, I'm shocked because things looked like they were going really well. Mako, you were very supportive and a great husband during her battle. I don't think she could have asked for better. She will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Mako, so sorry to hear this sad news, you are in my thoughts, stay strong!

Mako,

My deepest and most sincere condolences. I just read this today. You can't believe how happy I was to see you both at last years annual Solstice Party. I miss Karen already, she was always a smiling face that you could count on at any of the Solo events. Be advised, she will be missed by all who knew her and especially down here in Costa Mesa.

John...