4/26/2026 - Sunday from Lisa …
ONE MORE DAY … that’s it, that’s all Kari has left in this first round of treatment. Today is Day 41 out of Day 42! Tomorrow’s final day will be a big milestone. That alone is amazing - but what’s even more incredible is watching her go through this with grace. For six weeks, she’s tackled radiation and chemotherapy with incredible strength and bravery. It’s been so inspiring to see her navigate countless appointments and treatment days, several hours and hundreds of miles of driving. We certainly could not have managed all of this without the many people in Kari’s corner. I cannot say enough how truly blessed we are.
No surprise, but the last week has been busy. Kari was able to restart chemo. Plus she had a few people helping to get her to and from home to Mayo. Thank you to my sister and Dad, and Jace for juggling three days last week, and of course to my aunt and uncle for opening up their house (5 star rating! 😊). With everyone helping, I was able to take a previously planned vacation with Julie, Mark, and CJ. Palm trees and 90 degree weather was so needed! 🌴 ☀️
Thank you to Christy for watching Jack and Bear while I was away!
It’s hockey play off time for Gavin’s team. Kari was able to join Amy and Jace on a road trip to Aberdeen to watch the weekend series. A huge thanks to them for sharing the pictures of the Aberdeen Wings family and community supporting Kari. ❤️🏒
Many people have asked what is next. Bottom line, we continue to support Kari in this fight. The journey is long. Her cancer is rare, and we are using the resources around us to learn more about it. We have spent the last few weeks talking to survivors of other brain cancers, getting a better understanding of their journey, talking with oncologists in the US and across the world, and opening up lines of communication with health experts. The goal is to build a collaborative medical team and build a plan that is best for Kari! ❤️
We appreciate all of the contributions and fundraising that everyone has done and is doing to help Kari!
Kari’s Crew is the best!
Thank you to everyone for supporting Kari, and continuing to pray. We hear you and feel the love!
Please don’t stop praying! 🙏❤️
4/13/2026 - Monday night from Lisa
It was two months ago today that Kari received her diagnosis. An oncologist came to her hospital room at the University of Iowa and shared the results of the pathology. “Cancer”, “Aggressive”, “High grade” … Those were words you never want to hear as a parent. We had a couple of family members and a close friend with us. We hugged hard and cried even harder.
Kari pulled it together and said “I got this”.
At that time, we didn’t know what the next few days or weeks would be like. Kari started her SOC (standard of care) on March 17th. She was told radiation and chemo would make her tired as the weeks go on. She thought about April 11th, the day Luke Combs was playing in Ames. Kari successfully got 9 presale tickets for her and friends while in class last fall. As the concert date drew near, Kari was determined more than ever to go. Her energy level remained good. She made it to the show!! And a group of us older fans tagged along and got to see Kari reunite with her friends!! ❤️🎶❤️🎶. It was truly an amazing time in Ames!!
Today, Kari completed her 4th week of treatment, Day 28 of 42.
And two weeks from today will be Kari’s last day of radiation and chemo treatment. This is round one of the battle. We have been continuously reviewing other options and preparing for next steps. I have said it many times - the journey is long and scary. There are unknowns. We continue to look for stories of hope and inspiration!
Kari continues to be strong and courageous throughout this. She is fighting this head on with the most amazing grace.
I am so grateful for Kari’s Crew!!
I love seeing the hats!!
We are truly blessed to be surrounded by the most caring family, friends, and community! ❤️
Please never stop praying for Kari! 🙏
4/10/2026 - Friday night from Lisa…
It takes a village!! This statement is so true!
Kari has completed Day 25 of 42. We spent a couple days in Rochester to manage radiation and doctor’s appointments. Kari came home for a night, and then stayed in Lakeville for the rest of the week.
A big thanks to Tom, Ann, CJ, my dad, my sister, Melissa, Laura, Grandpa Dave, Johanna, Sharon, Livy, Amy, and Jace …. For spending time with Kari, housing her, giving special gifts, and getting her to and from …. Everyone has been so amazing to Kari and my family! ❤️
We are still in a routine pattern - the standard of care. We still remain guarded and continue looking at options beyond this. On Tuesday of this week, Kari said it was exactly two months ago that her tumor was found. Hard to believe. 🙁
We feel so blessed that Kari is managing her treatments well. No nausea or tiredness. She stays busy and positive, day after day. We have a busy weekend ahead and are looking forward to having a fun couple of days away from home. 🎶
I am so grateful for the army of people supporting Kari. I am so grateful for the prayers and support. ❤️
We know this journey is not yet finished. It is long and difficult.
Please continue to prayer for Kari. 🙏
3/28/2026 - Saturday evening
Today is Day 13/42 for Kari’s treatment. We have settled into a routine with managing our time away from home. With the help of family and friends, I am finding a little bit of balance with everything. And a big thanks to those that supported Kari in Rochester while I was at home. ❤️
Although these last few days are less chaotic, they are not less emotional for me. It’s a wave of ups and downs. I am thankful for the continued support and prayers from our family, friends, community, and strangers!! There is a local MN family that heard about Kari. Please pray for Holly and her family as her daughter Brooklynne is 6 months into her 2 year chemo treatment following a brain cancer diagnosis. It’s been inspiring to hear about Brooklynne’s journey, and how she is thriving while attending college. Kari received a wonderful care package from them filled with some of Brooklynne’s favorite items. ❤️
We continue to look at the path ahead and prepare ourselves for the next steps. Kari continues to amaze me with her courage and strength as she tackles her day to day.
Lord, we are deeply thankful for the love, support, and kindness of those who have reached out, checked in, and lifted us up in prayer. Thank You for placing such compassionate people in our lives—remind us daily that we are not walking this journey alone.
Please keep praying! 🙏❤️
3/24/2026 - Tuesday night from Kari’s mom
One full week of treatment is completed for Kari. Day 8 of 42 for radiation (during the week) and chemo (daily) therapy. Kari had a relaxing few days at home. She enjoyed the beautiful weather on Saturday and got a walk in with her home town friends. Gavin was in town for hockey over the weekend, and we were able to cheer him on Saturday night. It was nice to see family and friends at the game too.
Since Kari’s treatment was later Monday night, we were able to stay home Sunday night. She got an extra day with Gavin, celebrated Jace’s birthday, and spent time with Lilli and her Godson Ryker. ❤️
We got to Rochester Monday night, were warmly greeted by our aunt and uncle, and got front door service for the radiation appointment. They spoil us!
I was with Kari for a couple of appointments today and thankfully her treatment was also scheduled during this time. Kari will manage her next couple of appointments without me. She is in great hands with family, and my aunt has planned a fun day for Kari tomorrow. The following night, my dad and sister will be with Kari for her treatment. It was hard leaving, as I don’t like to be away from Kari. She truly has an army of people supporting her. We are so appreciative for all of the love and support. Thank you for continuing to pray for Kari!
Never stop praying!
🙏❤️
3/21/2026 - Saturday morning from Kari’s mom
Yesterday was Day 4 of 42 for Kari’s treatment plan, which includes proton radiation and chemo therapy. She has been doing very well so far. She is sleeping well and waking up feeling great. We know it’s week one, and things can change over the 6 week course.
We left our home on March 12th not thinking we would be gone until last night. We feel our prayers were answered for an early start to radiation (which has a wait list). My aunt and uncle took such great care of Kari and I, and we are so incredibly grateful! My aunt helped Kari make a chain to count down her treatment days. I also enjoyed watching Kari interact with friends and family that came down to visit this past week. Her bright beautiful smile warms my heart. ❤️
A big thanks to Peg for bringing Jack down to stay a night with us. He really needed to be with Kari and I. And thank you to my Dad for visiting. Jack came to two of Kari’s nightly treatments. The technicians were so wonderful. They showed Jack and I how the proton therapy works. It’s so fascinating. Kari had two molds that were created two weeks ago. One is for the back of her head - what she rests her head on. The second is a fitted mask that she wears, and it’s snapped into place on the head mold. She lays on a table in a large room. The proton beam and the table essentially move to hit her target areas. Kari gets her choice of music or pod casts and will be in the room anywhere from 15-30 minutes. There are 3 other active rooms, so the timing depends on other people’s treatments as the beam moves from room to room. The machine essentially runs from 6 am-midnight.
Here is a link from Mayo on the proton radiation therapy:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/vid-20093774
Kari’s Friday night appointment was moved up a couple different times from 9:45 pm to 6:45 pm. We were able to drive back home late Friday night and will be here until Monday evening. She will spend her weekend catching up with friends and family. If you are around and enjoy hockey, you can help her cheer on Gavin tonight (game in Forest Lake) 🏒❤️
Besides the treatment schedules, Kari had several other appointments at Mayo. Managing check ins with radiation and oncology doctors, and nurses to cover social work and medication. It’s a lot. Some appointments were better than others.
We know this a long and scary road. We know we need to stay in front of this. Keep reaching out, share stories, and don’t stop praying. 🙏 ❤️
We feel so blessed to have so many people in Kari’s corner. We continue to feel the love and support. Thank you to everyone for checking in, delivering food, sending gift cards, praying, sharing fun memories, and especially checking on Jack! ❤️
3/17/2026 - Tuesday night late
Today is Day 1 of 42 for Kari’s treatment plan. We feel fortunate to have the opportunity of starting 6 days earlier than previously scheduled. With that comes late appointments. 10 pm tonight. Kari is feeling anxious. It’s very much expected until she gets the first one under her belt. She’s got this. ❤️ She is strong, she is brave, and she is a fighter.
Kari had a couple of appointments these last couple of days while she’s been in Rochester. Today was a hard day. There was some news that we had hoped would be better. And we had another appointment that just left us both feeling empty. It was hard. 💔
Kari had a few visitors today from the cities. It was so nice to catch up with friends. Thank you Bonnie, and Cale and Maguire for making the drive down (and some roads were still bad from the snow storm). Hugs from them and a quick outing to see a 21-member bag piper band was enough to put a smile on Kari’s face. ❤️
We have been so blessed with having so many people in Kari’s corner. We got dropped off at Kari’s appointment tonight from my aunt and uncle. At the check in desk was a card from our cousin.
Kari feels all of the love and support, and hears all of the prayers! She has four days in a row of late radiation therapy appointments, and then we will be back in the cities for a few days.
Never stop praying! 🙏
3/14/2026 - late Saturday night
It’s the weekend, and Kari is currently managing appointments at Mayo. For the past week, she has been doing a pre-radiation/chemo initiative and we are near the end. Starting Friday morning, it was lab work with a wait and see plan. Same thing for Saturday morning - lab work with a wait and see for next steps. We received an update Saturday afternoon that her next appointment will be Monday, and that will be the final day for the pre-radiation/chemo initiative. 🙏
Kari had a few quiet days at home last week. We were able to get our nails done. We ended that day with a nice dinner out with Amy and Livy. We had some friends visit at our house and spend time with Kari. It was nice to catch up and share big hugs! ❤️
Kari and I left our home Thursday morning and headed to Ames, Iowa. Kari decided to have lunch with some sorority sisters before their spring break. This made me so happy! It was Kari’s first time back Iowa State since February 7th - when this awful nightmare started.
Kari had a great lunch with her girls that missed her so much! After lunch, they helped pack up the rest of Kari’s room, loaded her car, and said their goodbyes. Great sisters! My Dad drove down with Kari and I, and he drove Kari’s car back to the cities. We are so appreciative of Kappa Kappa Gamma and their kindness while we found time to get Kari’s belongings and car.
We spent time with family before going back Rochester Saturday night. Kari’s next appointment is Monday morning, but with the storm of the season upon us, we want to avoid travel on Sunday.
And now for some GREAT news ….
Friday morning, Kari got a phone call from Mayo Radiation. They have availability to start her treatment one week early!! We are still managing a gap with getting her chemo pill - but hopefully that will be resolved before Tuesday! We’ve been anxious for Kari’s treatment to start and are thankful to have that opportunity. Kari will be in Rochester until next Friday. We are so grateful to my Aunt Ann and Uncle Tom for taking such great care of Kari and I. They love hosting, so if you want to visit Kari, come on down to Rochester! ❤️
Kari feels so blessed to have so many people praying for her. She is truly grateful for the cards, messages, gifts, donations, and support. It’s an uphill battle and we are continuing to think beyond the current standard of care plan. Please don’t stop praying. 🙏
3/8/2026 - Sunday night
It’s been exactly one month since Kari’s first brain surgery. I still feel a wave of emotions. It’s constant for me. I fight to keep it together. I look at Kari and that alone gives me so much strength! Her beautiful smile, positive attitude, and uplifting energy is so inspiring. ❤️
Over the last month, we have met some incredible people. Kari created such a bond with her medical team in Iowa City (truly miss them!). As one of her care nurses said - “Kari is a cup of sunshine”. We feel comforted by the medical teams at Mayo. We feel the love from new friends and strangers that have reached out!
Kari’s second day at Mayo last week was a very long day. Her medical team was amazing. They helped align some appointments for Kari that best fits her schedule.
As the weekend was arriving, Kari made plans to surprise Gavin. She pulled it off with the help of Gavin’s parents and Amanda! It was a weekend of hockey, fun, laughs, and lots of love with Gavin’s family, friends, and community. We are hours away from home, but there are so many people following Kari’s story. She had several people come up to her and say that they continue to pray for her. Kari felt everyone’s love and support and was uplifted by their prayers.
Kari is so grateful for her crew at Iowa State. She loved all of the videos and posts being shared during mug night last week. ❤️ I know Kari misses school, her friends, and college life. There was one assignment that Kari was working on at the end of January. It was to get to 500 connections on LinkedIn. If you would like to help Kari get to 500 connections, feel free to connect with her and share. ❤️
Kari’s LinkedIn:
The upcoming week will be a mix of some downtime for Kari, and then we are back at Mayo for a few days at the end of the week/weekend. If you would like to visit, please reach out.
Thank you to everyone reaching out with your support, sending/dropping off gifts and food, helping with Jack, and just checking on our family. ❤️❤️
Please continue to pray hard for Kari. Her treatment window is approaching in mid-March. We are appreciative by all of the love and support of so many.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with grateful hearts. Thank You, Lord, for this normal and peaceful weekend with Kari. It has been a month since we first learned of her tumor, and moments like these remind us how precious each day is. After so many difficult weeks, it is such a blessing to see her smile again and to see her enjoy something fun. 🙏🙏
3/04/2026 - Kari update
In the blink of an eye, February is gone and March is here. The last month has been an absolute nightmare. But with that came the most incredible amount of love and support from our family, friends, community, and strangers.
Kari was a second year, double major, thriving college student. She has an army of friends, loves her sisterhood at Kappa, and was newly elected President of her sorority (she had tears of joy!). Two weeks into the 2026 spring semester, Kari went from experiencing headaches over the course of a week, to having an ER doctor tell her she had a large mass on her brain. She endured two brain surgeries and was in a hospital for 11 nights, 5 hours away from home. She has taken the last week and a half to rest, retrain her eyes (due to lost peripheral vision), spend some time with family and friends, and assess her next battle steps.
Kari’s diagnosis is an aggressive brain tumor. This was not the news we wanted to hear. We have been actively working with oncology and radiation therapy teams at the U of M and Mayo.
Kari is ready to begin the next chapter: The Fight
She is a fighter!!! I am so inspired by Kari’s strength and bravery. She feels lifted from all of the love and support and PRAYERS!! 🙏
Kari will be starting 6 weeks of radiation and chemo therapy this month at Mayo. We are waiting for approval on one type of radiation therapy. Sadly, it comes down to what option the insurance company will approve. We are praying. 🙏
Kari will have various appointments throughout the upcoming weeks from now until her treatments start at a date later this month. We couldn’t make this all work without the help of so many around us.
When Kari is home, she is always up for visitors. Feel free to reach out.
Please share stories of inspiration. We’ve started to make some additional connections with others that have also gone through this. ❤️
If you pray, please pray hard for Kari.
Kari feels everyone’s love and support!
Lord - We thank You for Kari— for her strength, her bravery, and her steady spirit in this season of unknowns. You have sustained her each day, and she continues to reflect courage and faith. When the path feels overwhelming, You remain her Rock. 🙏
2/24/2026 - Tuesday night
Kari’s sutures came out today. Twenty-one stitches in total. We had a slight delay with suture removal due to a concern with excess fluid at the top of her head. They ordered MRI. After that came back, they felt everything was fine, no leakage site, and this would just be a slow recovery. With the unplanned MRI, we missed one appointment (rescheduled to Wednesday). After that, we will have another set of appointments on Thursday at Mayo.
We truly appreciate the love and support and the prayers. Thank you for care packages and thinking of Jack as well. ❤️
Please continue to pray hard for Kari.
#KarisCrew
🙏🙏
2/20/2026 - Friday evening
Night one back home is in the books! Kari had her fur baby next to her, until she kicked him off the bed. She got too warm.🥰
Kari is having a good day today as we try to get back into a routine. The sun is shining beautifully and she is feeling good.
We appreciate all of the messages, calls, prayers, and support more than you know!
There is an army of people supporting Kari - we feel it!
After some more rest this weekend, we will have a busy week of appointments. We have family and friends in our corner making miracles happen! We were able to pull an appointment from March 2nd to February 26th! Time is crucial and this schedule change brought a tear to my eye! We needed this! 🙏❤️
Thank you to everyone for reaching out and checking in on Kari, and also checking on Jack. A few teachers at CPHS sent a care package for both Kari and Jack.❤️
We have had a few visitors here and there, and I feel she will be ready to see more people real soon!
Keep sending stories of inspiration!
Keep Praying!
Pray hard!
🙏🙏🙏
2/19/2026
2/16/2026 Monday Day
After a full day with the EVD line clamped, Kari had a quiet evening and night. She was a little anxious trying to fall asleep, but we prayed and she rested as best she could. The nurse got her at 3:45 am for her MRI. Around 6:15 am, the neuro doctor said they would remove the line. She was given some meds for the pain, line removed, and a stitch added. Kari has been very tired most of the day.
It’s a quiet day. Our second cousin is with us today. We are giving Kari the time she needs to rest. Hopefully the meds wear off this afternoon, and Kari can go on a walk and get a little sun.
Kari got three batches of deliveries today:
2 stacks of electronic letters
1 stack of mail
She also got some flowers from the nurses. Kari is so loved by the nurses.
Please keep sharing your stories, fun times, pictures, love, and prayers!!
I am so grateful to everyone reaching out, praying, and offering support! My heart is full.
Please also think about Jack - Kari’s younger brother. Kari would describe him as sweet, quiet, and witty.
❤️ Give him a hug, text, or call … ❤️
The kids been through a lot these last 4 years. Their Dad and Grandma are fiercely watching over Kari and Jack.
We are another day closer to going home. We have a big fight ahead of us! We all know Kari is a fighter! She is so brave, so strong, and so loved. She wants you to know she hears your prayers. Don’t stop!
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
2/15/2026 - Sunday day
Kari had a great afternoon, evening yesterday. Thank you to everyone who has been lifting her spirits and praying. If you have sent letters, there is no mail on the weekends . She received flowers and wonderful gifts yesterday.
Kari slept well. Today the neuro team made a decision to clamp her drain line. They will still continue to monitor the pressure in her head to ensure her brain can regulate the fluids on their own. MRI scheduled for 4 am Monday.
Based on those results, if everything looks good, they can remove the line. The plan will be to monitor and work towards a discharge plan.
Kari ate breakfast well this morning and has been feel good. Around noon she was ready to go for a walk. After being upright and grind ready, she felt tired, weak, faint. All of her vitals were good. She has been resting since then.
Once she feels able, she will go for a walk.
Please continue to pray.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Lord, give Kari courage when the days feel long. Give her peace when uncertainty tries to creep in. Remind her that this diagnosis does not define her — she is defined by Your love, Your promises, and the strength You have placed within her. She is strong. She is brave. She is deeply loved.
Wrap her in Your presence. Let her feel the prayers surrounding her. Lift her up when she feels weak. Carry her when she is tired. Place Your hedge of protection around her and guide every doctor, nurse, and caregiver with wisdom and compassion.
God, we are asking boldly — bring our sweet Kari home. Let each step forward be steady and sure. Let healing rise. Let hope grow. Let joy return.
We trust You. We believe You are working even now.
In Jesus’ powerful and precious name,
Amen.
🙏
2/14/2026 Saturday update from Lisa.
Kari had a quieter day yesterday. She would love to hear from you … prayers, fun memories, anything ❤️
Here is more info on sending letters to the Patient Letter Program:
https://uihc.org/send-letter-hospitalized-patient
I am so thankful and grateful for everyone’s continued prayers, love, and support. Everyone who knows Kari loves and adores her. So many of you have reached out and I appreciate it.
Kari and I are also thankful for the friends and family that have been able to visit and stay with us in Iowa City. ❤️
Kari has long road ahead.
Please pray!
Pray hard!
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Hour by Hour, Day by Day
#KariStrong
Friday, February 13, 2026 - Update from Lisa...
Kari is very tired today and needing some extra rest.
She had a busy day yesterday with lots of visitors. She continues to have a positive outlook on all of this and amazes her medical team with her progress. Kari slept well last night and ate a good breakfast this morning.
There was a little concern about the drain in her head this morning, but that was quickly resolved and it’s working properly. The color and amount of drainage is on course with her healing process.
The timeline and process for drain removal is yet to be determined but they are cautiously optimistic about taking the first step of this process on Monday.
As far as the official diagnosis and treatment plan goes, that is still a waiting game. This report may take 10-14 days to be completed. Once pathology presents this report, the neuro oncology team will collaborate on a plan of treatment going forward. The team here at U of I will also collaborate with teams in MN to ensure that everyone is on the same page when Kari makes it home to MN.
We are so incredibly grateful for all of your love and support for Kari and the entire family. It’s overwhelming to read all of your comments, cards, letters and messages. ❤️
In the meantime we take each day moment by moment and hour by hour.
Please pray for Kari and please don’t stop praying!!! 🙏🙏🙏
Feb 11, 2026 Update:
Post 2nd surgery / Morning neuro team Update:
Kari had a good night. She got lots of rest, aside from the vital checks every 2 hours. The neuro team said they got everything of the tumor that they could see.
Right now, she has a drain line from her head/wound site. This needs to remain for 5 days. The neuro team said “you're kind of stuck with us until then”
Plan is to move to another neuro floor today - discharged from ICU. The neuro team will still stop by every morning. They are disconnecting a few of her lines - giving her more freedom!
Kari is so amazing! She is high spirited, strong, positive, and just appreciative of everyone around her.
Lisa was away from her, down a hallway updating notes. She could hear a voice that sounded like Kari. Sure enough - she comes walking around the corner!!! It was so amazing! ❤️❤️
We are working on reading when we can. You all know Kari loves to read. It will take some time for retraining her brain - moving her eyes, moving her head. Feel free to send cards to give her something to read.
As you all can imagine, the 2nd brain surgery creates more costs, etc. Kari's family are so thankful for all of the generosity and rallying for Kari. Truly remarkable. Please keep spreading the word, messages, and prayers!!!🙏 🙏🙏
Love to all.
Lisa, Jack, CJ
Feb 9, 2026 Update:
Dear family and friends,
We are incredibly thankful for the outpouring of love, prayers, messages, and support you have shared with Kari and our family. Every note, text, and gesture has meant so much to us, and Kari feels surrounded by care even in the hardest moments.
About a week and a half ago, Kari began experiencing neck pain and headaches while she was in Ames, Iowa. Over the course of the week, her symptoms worsened. She began feeling nauseous and experienced vision concerns. Lisa and Kari went to urgent care in Ames, Iowa. They sent us to the ER in Ames to get a CT scan.. The scan revealed a lemon-sized mass on her brain.
Kari and Lisa self-transported (two hour drive) to the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City on Saturday. On Sunday, she underwent brain surgery to remove as much of the mass as possible. Following surgery, doctors confirmed that Kari has an aggressive high grade tumor. A second surgery is scheduled for Tuesday to remove more of the mass which will provide her care team with additional information and will inform Kari’s care plan moving forward.
Throughout this incredibly difficult and fast-moving journey, Kari has been surrounded by her family. We are by her side every step of the way supporting her, advocating for her, and ensuring she is never alone. Kari continues to show extraordinary strength and courage, and we are deeply grateful for the exceptional medical care she is receiving. Kari’s brave spirit and gentle strength continue to inspire all who know and love her.
Thank you for continuing to keep Kari in your thoughts and prayers and for the steady stream of encouragement and love. Please know how much your support means to Kari and to all of us. We will continue to share updates as we are able.
Kari is surrounded by faith and family. Lord, we trust you as the great Healer and ask You to restore health, strength, and bring peace.
With love and gratitude,
Lisa, CJ, Jack
