August 18, 2025. A date that’s now etched in my heart forever.

What I thought was just a “sick tan” and a pulled muscle turned out to be something much bigger... jaundice, a blocked bile duct, and eventually, a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

That moment changed everything. The air felt heavier. Time slowed. Suddenly, my life became a series of scans, lab results, and conversations that no one ever expects to have.

I’m Karen White (KK). A daughter, a sister, a friend, a colleague, and a fighter. But more than anything, I’m someone who believes deeply in the power of hope, love, and community. 

Since that day, I’ve been under the incredible care of my team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Their expertise gives me strength, and their compassion gives me peace. I’ve started chemotherapy - a path that is exhausting and relentless, but one I walk with purpose and faith.

I won’t pretend it’s easy. There are days filled with fear and fatigue, and nights when the “what ifs” feel too heavy to carry. But I’m not doing this alone. I have my family, friends, and what I call my “Dream Team.” They remind me who I am beyond this diagnosis. They hold me up when I stumble, celebrate every small victory, and remind me that even in pain, there is still beauty, laughter, and life to be lived.

This page isn’t just about my story; it’s about our story. It’s a place for connection, awareness, and strength. If my journey can bring comfort to even one person walking a similar path, then the sharing is worth it.

Because in the face of something as fierce as pancreatic cancer, I choose to believe in something even fiercer — hope. 

UPDATE: February 16, 2026. Life has been a whirlwind since my last update, but in the best way!  

I’m grateful to share that I had a successful Whipple procedure the Monday after Thanksgiving. The recovery has definitely been a challenge, but I’m taking it one day at a time and making incredible strides every day.

Starting 2026 with the tumor gone feels like a powerful and hopeful new beginning.  I’ve restarted chemo and continue to fight with everything I’ve got. Through it all, I’ve been overwhelmed with gratitude for my incredible family and friends, especially my Dream Team. Their support, positive energy, late-night check-ins, and help through chemo have meant more than words can express. Caregivers deserve so much credit for the strength they give every day.

Thank you all for lifting me up. Here’s to healing, hope, and continuing to stride forward together.

How to join our team:

• To join our team for free, just click the purple "Join This Team" box on the top right-hand side of this page!
• To support one of our team members by making a donation to their page, click their name on the list below and then click "Donate" on the right-hand side of their page!
• To make a general donation to our team (not to any particular team member), click the blue "Donate" box on the top right-hand side of this page!

Thanks for supporting our PanCAN PurpleStride team fundraiser!

We're proud to be taking steps as a team to end pancreatic cancer at PanCAN’s biggest community event of the year, PanCAN PurpleStride!

PurpleStride is an inspiring event for anyone who has been affected by pancreatic cancer and wants to ensure vital research continues and free resources are made available to all who need them.

To make the biggest difference, we’ve set an ambitious team fundraising goal and need your help – will you donate to our fundraiser? You can donate directly to the team (which will not go toward a specific team member’s goal) or you can select a team member and donate toward that person's fundraising goal (which will also support the team’s goal)!

A gift of any size will provide much-needed hope for a brighter future for the entire pancreatic cancer community.

Want to join us at PurpleStride? Now’s the time! Join our team by registering for free (click REGISTER above!) and take steps with us – everyone who registers and raises or self-donates $100 or more will earn an official PanCAN PurpleStride T-shirt!

Again, thank you for supporting us and everyone affected by pancreatic cancer. We’re grateful for you and your support!