In January of 2012, Karen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She completed her first line of treatment in Pittsburg, where her and her husband Joe worked as longtime schoolteachers. With both a family history of cancer and a diagnosis herself, Karen was determined to fight this disease. Inspired by the Komen sisters, Karen became an active participant in 5k races and any other event she could find related to the cause.
A couple years later, in January 2014, Karen was also diagnosed with breast cancer.
When Karen and Joe retired and moved to Florida, she found Robert Holloway, MD at AdventHealth. When her second round of chemotherapy wasn’t successful, Dr. Holloway offered Karen an opportunity to be in a new research study for ovarian cancer treatment. Dr. Holloway invited Karen to participate in a revolutionary immunotherapy treatment which uses a variation of smallpox to defeat cancer. AdventHealth is the only hospital in the United States to participate in this life-saving clinical trial. In September 2016, Karen participated in the research study. In 2019, Karen and Joe are enjoying their retirement in the Florida sun.
Karen Bierer always knew she would leave a gift for charity in her will and her appreciation for receiving expert, life-changing care led Karen to inquire about making a planned gift to AdventHealth Cancer Institute. Karen donated directly to the cause and made provisions in her will with the help of Courtney Staup, a Development Officer for the AdventHealth Cancer Institute and Tom Kapusta, our Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG).
We give so other people who might not be as fortunate as us, have a chance to beat this disease. I am a dog in the fight. Dr Holloway is an expert in the field and he is dedicated and passionate about what he does. Courtney and Tom made it a really simple process.”
Karen continues to donate and stay active in events benefiting AdventHealth Cancer Institute. When asked about the incredible personal legacy she has created, Karen explains the mantra behind it all.
We believe in helping each other. We’ve always felt fortunate.
A planned gift gives you the chance to create a personal legacy with a beneficiary that is important to you. To learn more about gift annuities and will beneficiaries, you can talk to our Certified Specialist in Planned Giving, Tom Kapusta.
