Avid soccer and basketball player Karen began feeling fatigued and experiencing trouble breathing during practices her sophomore year of high school. Although they thought little of it at first, the 15-year-old and her parents sought answers from nearby hospitals when the symptoms periodically arose again. An occurrence of more severe breathing problems had Karen rushed to Rady Children’s, where tests confirmed her diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Karen spent 45 days receiving chemotherapy at Rady Children’s, was cancer-free after a month, and fully recovered in less than a year!

The 17-year-old high school senior is now back to both playing and coaching the sports she loves! Giving back to the younger athletes brings her immense joy. She feels that doing what she loves the most helped her win her battle.