Karene O'Hare - Her Story
A Call to Action...
Karene and John O'Hare
For a full year before Karene’s Ovarian Cancer diagnosis, she began experiencing abdominal discomfort. Being a nurse and a non-alarmist, she attributed it to indigestion or the flu.
When the symptoms persisted, she visited her internist who could not diagnose the problem. Months passed with more doctor visits and numerous tests. Specialists concluded that it was a torn muscle deep within the abdomen. She traveled out of town to another specialist who concluded it was an abdominal tear. Karene listened to her body when it whispered that something was wrong; but because there is no reliable test, her physicians were unable to detect the initial or the metastasized cancer. In March 2007, Karene experienced excruciating pain and when the pain became intolerable, she was admitted to the hospital. Finally an abdominal laparoscopic examination was performed. The diagnosis was Stage III C Ovarian Cancer. Prior to the diagnosis, she was extremely healthy – running daily, consuming healthy food, and visiting her doctor for regular physical check-ups. For 18 months Karene underwent numerous surgeries, two rounds of chemotherapy, horrendous side-effects, and more suffering than any woman should face. Karene fought her battle until her last breath. As she returned home from the hospital for the last time in hospice care her loved ones from all over the US and Canada surrounded her. At her passing, she was surrounded by her extended family who prayed, cried, and felt her deep love.
Her family decided that to help with the healing process they would follow her spirit of giving. The Karene O'Hare Ovarian Cancer Run/Walk was born during their soul searching as they continually posed the question “What would Karene want us to do?"
Too frequently this disease is not detected until it is in an advanced stage. There is no test available to detect the disease, but rather it is a matter of the symptoms that often are subtle and can also indicate other problems. Women need to know their risk factors and the potential symptoms of the disease. They also need to become more informed and as a result better enabled to be assertive in speaking to their health care providers. The Run funds Ovarian Cancer screening programs offered by the Lackey Free Family Clinic and the Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center. It also underwrites the cost of educational initiatives. These are critical goals that meet important health issues for women of all ages.
When the symptoms persisted, she visited her internist who could not diagnose the problem. Months passed with more doctor visits and numerous tests. Specialists concluded that it was a torn muscle deep within the abdomen. She traveled out of town to another specialist who concluded it was an abdominal tear. Karene listened to her body when it whispered that something was wrong; but because there is no reliable test, her physicians were unable to detect the initial or the metastasized cancer. In March 2007, Karene experienced excruciating pain and when the pain became intolerable, she was admitted to the hospital. Finally an abdominal laparoscopic examination was performed. The diagnosis was Stage III C Ovarian Cancer. Prior to the diagnosis, she was extremely healthy – running daily, consuming healthy food, and visiting her doctor for regular physical check-ups. For 18 months Karene underwent numerous surgeries, two rounds of chemotherapy, horrendous side-effects, and more suffering than any woman should face. Karene fought her battle until her last breath. As she returned home from the hospital for the last time in hospice care her loved ones from all over the US and Canada surrounded her. At her passing, she was surrounded by her extended family who prayed, cried, and felt her deep love.
Her family decided that to help with the healing process they would follow her spirit of giving. The Karene O'Hare Ovarian Cancer Run/Walk was born during their soul searching as they continually posed the question “What would Karene want us to do?"
Too frequently this disease is not detected until it is in an advanced stage. There is no test available to detect the disease, but rather it is a matter of the symptoms that often are subtle and can also indicate other problems. Women need to know their risk factors and the potential symptoms of the disease. They also need to become more informed and as a result better enabled to be assertive in speaking to their health care providers. The Run funds Ovarian Cancer screening programs offered by the Lackey Free Family Clinic and the Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center. It also underwrites the cost of educational initiatives. These are critical goals that meet important health issues for women of all ages.
Who was Karene...
Karene O'Hare
Karene O’Hare was an incredibly outgoing, compassionate, loving, and kind woman adored by her husband, John, of 55 years, with five grown children and their spouses, and six wonderful grandchildren. She loved anyone she encountered and truly felt that life was a gift to be lived to the fullest each day. She had a spunky, mischievous, and adventurous side that endeared her to her teenaged grandchildren and their friends. Karene was born in Pittsburg, PA on January 25, 1931 and passed away on October 8, 2008. She grew up in Winfield, KS and graduated from the College of St Teresa in KC Missouri with a degree in Nursing. After she and her husband moved to Williamsburg, VA, she quickly joined many organizations including two vocal choirs, a hand bell choir, Church outreach programs, and served on neighborhood Boards of Directors. Her first priority in life was helping those in need. She frequently commented that she felt most passionate about her volunteer nursing work at the Lackey Free Family Medicine Clinic.
Karene never met a stranger and found beauty in each encounter whether it was a clerk at the store, someone sitting next to her on an airplane, or her numerous doctors and nurses who were lucky enough to experience her contagious smile and loving, gentle spirit. She had a way of seeing only the good in others. Karene could never say NO to anyone who needed help. She was a devoted friend, always looking at the glass half-full.
She fought every day with the courage and determination that she had demonstrated all of her life. She very seldom complained – rather, she worried about all of her caretakers – whether they had eaten recently, had enough sleep, or were missing something important in their lives by being with her. She was truly the most selfless person most people have encountered in their lives.
Karene often comforted her family who remained with her day and night at the hospital or at home during her entire illness. Her tiny 85-pound body fought her battle with more courage than those around her had ever witnessed. If she felt okay for an hour or two, she would jump out of bed and make a dessert or meal for those in need. Her greatest joy was when she was able to drive again. She threw a wig or hat on her beautiful bald head, jumped in her car and felt glorious freedom even if it was only for a trip to the grocery store. She was the most incredible role model for those around her.
Karene’s spark, love, and enthusiasm for life were infectious and she left this earth a far better place for having graced us with her love. She is deeply missed every hour of every day that passes.
Karene never met a stranger and found beauty in each encounter whether it was a clerk at the store, someone sitting next to her on an airplane, or her numerous doctors and nurses who were lucky enough to experience her contagious smile and loving, gentle spirit. She had a way of seeing only the good in others. Karene could never say NO to anyone who needed help. She was a devoted friend, always looking at the glass half-full.
She fought every day with the courage and determination that she had demonstrated all of her life. She very seldom complained – rather, she worried about all of her caretakers – whether they had eaten recently, had enough sleep, or were missing something important in their lives by being with her. She was truly the most selfless person most people have encountered in their lives.
Karene often comforted her family who remained with her day and night at the hospital or at home during her entire illness. Her tiny 85-pound body fought her battle with more courage than those around her had ever witnessed. If she felt okay for an hour or two, she would jump out of bed and make a dessert or meal for those in need. Her greatest joy was when she was able to drive again. She threw a wig or hat on her beautiful bald head, jumped in her car and felt glorious freedom even if it was only for a trip to the grocery store. She was the most incredible role model for those around her.
Karene’s spark, love, and enthusiasm for life were infectious and she left this earth a far better place for having graced us with her love. She is deeply missed every hour of every day that passes.
