Asking for financial help has been one of the most difficult and humbling experiences of my life. Because of the incredible generosity of so many angels (family, friends, even strangers…) I am enjoying “alternative” cancer treatment that is not covered by insurance. But I am still very very short of what I need. If everyone reading this could contribute just $5 (think of it as buying me my favorite indulgance… a Starbucks’ soy latte ) I would have all I need to heal completely…. and once I have reached my goal, it is my intention to pay it forward in many ways.

One of the ways I have begun is by setting up a non-profit, Reach for the Joy, Inc. It is still in pending status, but will be retroactive for any donations. We have already selected a board of directors and our next recipient: a beautiful young woman (23) with pancreatic cancer whom I worked with at Brent’s Place (see link to the right). The goal of Reach for the Joy (website coming soon) is to assist those with terminal diagnoses create JOY in their lives in spite of (and because of) their personal challanges.

A paypal link is located at the bottom of this page as well as on the SPONSOR page of this site. If there are any problems connecting with the link, please email me at kalena@kalena.org

Please make donations out to “REACH FOR THE JOY”- our (pending) non-profit to aid those with life threatening illnesses find the JOY in their lives.

Contact info for me personally is below.

Thank you for visiting this site!

This site is dedicated to survivors every where! My story is about Reaching for Joy when all hope seems lost.

I am healing and thriving, thanks to the unconditional love of my family and friends, and of course, The Creator. I am grateful for every moment I have to share on this earth in this body.

If this is your first time here, please read MY STORY.

In the section LIVING JOURNAL, I have written my observations on life throughout my personal struggle with Stage Four Breast Cancer.

For recent updates regarding fund raising and treatment, please see the UPDATES section in the right side bar.

If you are returning to this site, welcome back- And thank you!  I promise to begin my “JOY ESSAYS” (in LIVING JOURNAL) while I am in Mexico… soon!!

I have restored the PayPal link (in the sidebar). Cancer is an incredibly expensive undertaking and most “alternative treatments” are not covered by even the best medical insurance. I am currently in Tijuana, Mexico under the care of Dr. Munoz at the San Diego Clinic. You can read more details in the Updates section. If you are interested in the treatments at SDC, please call Jennifer at the clinic and let her know you are a friend of mine. Their website is sadly lacking, unfortunately. But the place is completely legitimate and absolutely wonderful!! I believe I was Divinely led here, as do so many others I have shared stories with who are making similar journeys. The phone number is 619-804-7783. They are extremely busy and give 100% to each of their patients, so if you do not get a return call immediately, please be patient.

Over the past year, I have made some very difficult personal decisions. Some have disagreed with me harshly.  I truly believe that, as a Mother, the best thing I can do for my little girl is to survive as long as possible. And with 22 months of survival- may I coin the word “thrival” ??- I am enJOYing each moment to its fullest!

I will survive. I am a survivor. And I know that my daughter chose me, cancer and all. I cherish every moment we spend together and I am grateful for the opportunity to be alive to be Zaiden’s Mommy. I can think of nothing else I desire more completely.

My life is RICH!!

Thank you for your love and support.

We are all SURVIVORS!

Keep Faith and JOY close~

Karen

aka Kalena

For the months of May and June I will be in Mexico at the San Diego Clinic.

Snail mail can be sent to:

Karen Garcia von Schnier

c/o Filiberto Munoz

555 Saturn Blvd #452B
San Diego, CA 92154

I will have my cell phone, however rates are extremely high. Please contact me via email and Skype (KarmaKalena) and Facebook (Karen Garcia)…