Grant, Karen, 46, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 19, 2018.
This is a tough one. Karen was a superhero to all who knew her. She came into my life six years ago when she applied for assistance to the DRCF while she was in the early stages of her fight against cancer. I will never forget the phone call I made to Karen when I told her the board voted unanimously in favor of her application for assistance. She broke down in tears and promised to repay the foundation every cent when she was better. Months passed and Karen would often send emails updating me on her progress, always staying positive and always offering to help out. Eventually when Karen was feeling better she started volunteering at events and eventually she became a trustee of the foundation. Karen repaid the foundation tenfold, last year alone she raised over $9,000 as a virtual paddler, and in prior years she raised similar amounts.
For a brief moment in time the DRCF was blessed with an ANGEL.
In my 12 years as a trustee Karen was the first recipient to acknowledge, through her selfless actions, the help the DRCF provided. Her efforts and hard work as a trustee of the DRCF will help countless others who are battling this horrible disease. This year I won't be paddling but I will be fundraising in Karen's memory.
Before her passing Karen had told her boyfriend to pass along a message to me. "Mark, tell Paul that maybe he can finally win the fundraising contest for the paddle this year. " That was Karen. I will miss her dearly but she will never be forgotten.
Please give what you can any amount helps. I am very proud of the current board and the decision to dedicate the Paddle for A Cause to Karen. This year, the event will be dedicated to the memory of Karen Grant who passed away this April.
Grant was a recipient of the generosity of the Foundation in 2013 when she was diagnosed with Primary Peritoneal Cancer. She said wanted to give back to the DRCF once she was healthy enough to contribute. She became a board member shortly after a was the top fundraiser at last year’s Paddle For A Cause. “She was so committed and passionate with what was a priority in her life, one of which was obviously the DRCF, as she served as one of the most dedicated members on our board up until this dreadful disease took her life,” said foundation president Mark Zappone.
