LINDSEY KARR: LIVING THROUGH LAUGHTER

Have you ever known a hero, a real hero that you wish you could emulate? I have, and her name is Lindsey Kae Robinson Karr. If you don’t know her, let me introduce you.

At the age of 14, Lindsey was diagnosed with an operable brain tumor. She underwent surgery, and the doctors removed the tumor, feeling hopeful that all would be well.

And it was, for a short 2 years. Then she began to have the same symptoms as before. The tumor had returned at the age of 16. Once again, her head was shaved, the tumor removed, and she recovered.

Through it all, she always kept a positive attitude for the future.

Another 2 years went by and then unmercifully, the tumor returned a third, horrible time when she was 18 years old. The hair which had grown back in was shaved yet again for a third surgery, and then radiation added to make sure it would never come back.

She had already beaten the odds of survival for ependymomas, but this last surgery left her with a malformed skull in the area of the surgery and her hair did not regrow.

But you’d never know. Lindsey is the type of person to whom people are drawn to. Her energy and zest for life is contagious. She has tons of friends, and people who know her, love her. She became a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society and shared her story.

People could feel her courage, and she inspired hundreds to keep fighting. She had dreams and goals and she was making them happen. She graduated from Brigham Young University and traveled abroad.
She caught the eye of a man, Joshua, and they married. Life was perfect with a bright future.

Summer 2010: It had been 6 years with no sign of the tumors, but the tumors were tricky. Instead of manifesting in her brain, they followed her cranial fluid down her spine and replicated to thousands of small tumors. She had a season of intense pain, emotionally and physically, while the doctors sought to find an answer.

It was decided that no surgery would be done. The only option was aggressive radiation treatments. This would take away her ability to be a mother, but it was the only chance to win over the disease. She lost weight, a lot of weight. Josh was by her side the entire time, taking care of the love of his life.

What a journey, what a struggle–but never did she lose her ability to make others feel better. When friends and family called trying to make Lindsey feel better, by the end of the call they were the be ones who had been uplifted. That’s Lindsey.

Lindsey was asked to speak for the American Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation in the midst of her treatments. Too sick most days to get out of bed, she said yes. She received a standing ovation, and then immediately had to go lay down. She wasn’t going to give up or give in. She would fight and help others along the way. This isn’t something she learned, it’s just who she is!

January 2011: After the treatments were over, she had a few short months of possibilities, planning a trip, and planning a future. Then came a horrible seizure. The news was the worst news possible.

There could be no more treatments. Nothing more could be done. Lindsey gratefully slept thru that horrific day.

After being discharged from the hospital, Josh drew himself close to his wife and told Lindsey what the doctors had said. She didn’t cry or feel sorry for herself, she just looked at him, patted her arms and legs, and simply said, “I’m still here — I’m not going anywhere!”

And here we are 2 months later. She is fighting every day, smiling and laughing and taking others with her. She has inspired hundreds with her life motto, which is to “Live Through Laughter”. She didn’t give up or give in. With the help of her devoted husband and those who love her she fights.