I am honored to serve as a Board Member on The Karla Kay Cancer Screening Fund. Early cancer detection screening became very much a part of Karla’s legacy, as she battled a rare and aggressive type of cancer. The Stage 4 Appendix Cancer that Karla fought with courage and dignity might have been detected earlier, had this type of screening been available to her. We may never know if this would have changed Karla’s fate, but my heart believes it would have kept her in the fight longer.

The Karla Kay Cancer Screening Fund is a tribute to the life of generosity and compassion that my lifelong friend lived.

Over 35 years of my career in healthcare has afforded me a deep understanding of how a devastating diagnosis changes lives. When I learned that my best friend received this news, my instinct to gather as much healthcare information for her dominated my thoughts. To be honest, it sent me spinning. In perfect Karla fashion, she chose to worry less and learn more. Her determination to become an expert on the topic of cancer treatment was not surprising to anyone who knew her. When Karla learned how a screening like this may have altered her destiny, she went into action spreading the word about the importance of early screening. #scanwhileyoucan accompanied every one of her social media posts, conversations with family and friends, and the many people that were drawn to Karla and her story.

Karla Kay will live in my heart forever. I will never quite be the same without her here with me. She was an Angel on Earth and now she is my Angel in Heaven. Continuing her fight will be the honor of my life.