About Karen

When I was just a young teenager, I would ride my bike to a nursing home in my neighborhood to visit the residents. A few years later, I had a summer job caring for an elderly stroke victim. Later in life, my father opted for in-home Hospice care during his last 2 years suffering from end-stage COPD. I helped him bathe, prepared his meals, took him to doctors' appointments, and sat by his side to keep him company. In addition to being his primary caregiver, I was appreciative of the fact that I could provide him with social support as well. We often spent time watching baseball or game shows together or catching up on family news. I was by my father's side in his own home when he passed away. This was an emotional experience, but to this day I remain proud of the fact that he never had to stay in a nursing home, and that I was able to meet his medical & health needs at home. I miss him deeply, but because of him I now recognize my desire to serve others with the same compassion.