Sharing My story
Perseverance and faith have kept me going since June 2002 when I received the first of three Leukemia diagnoses. Because of all that I have gone through and all that I have learned, I have the desire to share my story and give hope to others who are battling cancer, caring for a loved one with cancer or facing challenges where their perseverance and faith are being tested. I believe there is always hope and sometimes hope is all you have and that is enough.
I measure my time differently now as the gift that cancer gave me is to appreciate time. Despite pain, I make an effort every day to do my best to give back. At night, sleep comes only after I can say I gave my best to help and give hope to another in a meaningful way.
I would be honored to speak to your group or organization about my story, what I learned, and how to find hope, faith and perseverance in suffering. It is also part of my mission to speak to medical personnel from the cancer patient perspective to raise awareness of needs, care, and communication that will help in the healing process.
Groups I have spoken to or are interested in speaking to include:
I measure my time differently now as the gift that cancer gave me is to appreciate time. Despite pain, I make an effort every day to do my best to give back. At night, sleep comes only after I can say I gave my best to help and give hope to another in a meaningful way.
I would be honored to speak to your group or organization about my story, what I learned, and how to find hope, faith and perseverance in suffering. It is also part of my mission to speak to medical personnel from the cancer patient perspective to raise awareness of needs, care, and communication that will help in the healing process.
Groups I have spoken to or are interested in speaking to include:
- Medical students
- Hospital staffs
- Families of cancer patients
- Faith communities
- Cancer patients
- Blood Organizations
- Caregivers
- Insurance companies
- Students of life
Karen Volpe is a true inspiration. She embodies the meaning of faith. She shared her journey in such a beautiful way that moved us to laugh and cry with her. I believe all that were there saw the face of Christ and left as better women. Kathy Lekan, St. Basil Church
Whenever I hear Karen talk, I marvel at her resiliency, stamina, humor and her single minded determination to ultimately triumph over any obstacle no matter how large or imposing. She has swatted away countless unimaginable circumstances and left them behind her, forging ahead a most excellent, happy, and most useful life. She both humbles and inspires me, she stretches the limits of my personal expectations. She is a spectacular bright shining star. Sally Denk attendee at St. Basil Church
Karen,
I was honored to introduce you at the ISABB Symposium. We were happy to have you and received so many positive comments that we decided to share those with you.
1. Inspirational speaker! She brought the patient perspective to my heart. 2. Wonderful and so powerful story!!! 3. Amazing story! Amazing lady! I have been working in transfusion medicine for 20 years and your story gave me a new appreciation! Thank-you. God Bless. 4. Wonderful speaker & glad she shared her story with us. 5. Very passionate and moving. 6. Personal testimonies sure are very effective in teaching/learning process. 7. Awesome & extraordinary fighting spirit! 8. Very inspirational! 9. Great to have a speaker from the patient perspective! 10. Fantastic! 11. Amazing story. 12. Very inspiring - thank-you so much for sharing just a bit of your experience with us. 13. Very valuable - well presented. 14. Amazing! Praise God. 15. WOW. 16. Great to hear a patient side of blood products, powerful message. 17. What an amazing human!!! Karen Volpe for president!! 18. Very informative; interesting; kept my attention. 19. Very good! 20. Most interesting and heart-felt. 21. Fascinating, inspirational story! 22. Thank-you for sharing your story! 23. What a great story & speaker. 24. Extremely moving! Great speaker!! 25. Karen should write a book! 26. Touching. 27. Fabulous!
Thank you so much for your time and your commitment to reminding people how important it is to donate blood.
Megan Boswell , (CQA, ASQ)
Quality Assurance Principal
Indiana Blood Center
When Karen came in I was so mesmerized. I could not believe that someone went thru so much in their lives, and still finds humor in things. I was cracking up sometimes, and then the next second, my eyes were tearing up because I was so sad and broken. First we watched the video that Indiana University hospital put together, and it was very touching. It was a great way to start off telling her story. I never knew that people went through so much blood. I have to tell you that since Karen came in, My sister and I gave blood....
- Kent State Student
On October 3, Karen Volpe spoke to our class about her ordeal with cancer. I found her discussion to be so moving and heart wrenching, that I had to log about how it touched me. As I heard her talk about how horrible the hospital visits were and what the disease did to her family, all I could think about that she was so fortunate to have her family and loved ones by her side and be extremely supportive of her. I felt connected to Karen that day. She showed such passion for getting the word out on all the issues that she had to deal with in the last few years....
- Kent State Student
Karen Volpe coming to our classroom was amazing; she is a very strong and courageous woman. Karen's story of her fight with cancer inspired me greatly. After class on Wednesday I immediately called my mom and told her about Karen's story and then I called my cousin. My cousin started crying and told me that she was afraid to die. I told her about everything Karen had been through and how it is a hard fight but that she can beat it....
- Kent State Student
I was really touched by her story. I couldn't help myself, I was surprised that I did not cry. It made me think and question so many things about life. I felt so many emotions while she was speaking. I felt so silly for the little things I complain about in life. I was encouraged by her sense of humor through it all. I always find it amazing that people who have been through so much can come out and not be bitter or angry. She never mentioned being angry or frustrated. She was so thankful for the blessing God gave her. She is very strong and beautiful. I must admit, I don't know if I can do it....
- Kent State Student
Karen continues to give back through anthems for life
This inspiring set of eight unique cards of encouragement was created by Karen Coyne Volpe. During her courageous 17-year battle with cancer, Karen found strength in these uplifting words and penned “Anthems for Life” to share hope with others going through any difficult season in life.
Each set contains eight different 4×6 glossy cards with an adhesive backing and eight envelopes. You can request a set of Kaaren's Anthems for Life cards with your gift of $25 or more to Fair Haven Foundation. |