Karen has made it known that she is ‘ready’. The infection has not improved and she has not regained any real strength these past two weeks. As a result her prognosis is now day to day. The doctors feel that she may have a week or so before her body finally gives up. They are quite amazed that she was able to hold on so long given the all of the issues she has been facing these past few weeks. A true testament to her inner strength and spirit.
After reviewing the options between going home vs. a hospice house we have decided to stay here at the hospital. Her condition is too tricky for quality oversight at home and to put her and the girls into a new environment at this time would be unfair considering her outlook.
-michael
Karen & Hazel 12/05
Karenstasko's Weblog 
Karen & Michael,
Bonnie and I feel truly blessed to have been able to visit today and to express our love and to just “BE” with you both. While we are completely devastated we are just in awe at your courage and your guidance as we try to understand what is happening. We have wondered over the past few months how to best help and we want you to know that we will remain and we will be here for your family. We continue in our steadfast and fervent prayer and love…until we see you again.
Bonnie and Jonathan
I took a breastfeeding class with Karen almost 6 years ago when our first children were born. She was so happy and delighted by the miracle that was her daughter…her face practically glowed with joy the first day she came in to the room.
Not a day has gone by since I found out about Karen’s diagnosis that I haven’t prayed for her, and for you, and for your girls. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Emily Nazario-Brindamour
Dear Michael,
Thank you for giving us the insight into your family’s past few months. I know that I have felt that by your sharing your hopes and struggles with us that we have been there with you, if that makes any sense. Your love and support for Karen has been obvious every step of the way. When you speak of Karen’s strength, we think of the strength that you have shown throughout her illness.
You have shown us all what it is like to face cancer and how you and your girls, along with your family and friends, endure and continue to love.
Please know that you and Karen and your girls are still in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Linda George
Karen and Mike,
Pizza at my house, your wedding, shared boat experiences with the Islander 38…The boat you grew up on became my brother’s boat. How strange is that? The legacy will live on and so will you. I have been with you in spirit and pray for you every day. God bless you, Karen, Michael, Ella and Hazel. Love from all the McManus’s.
We are here for Karen, you, Hazel, Ella, & your parents.
Peace & love,
Sandy & Rich
I had a conversation with my mom last night, talking about Karen’s condition. It brought back a lot of memories as my dad passed away from cancer when I was 13 – my mom had five kids at the time. It was so tough. Things we were not able to talk about for more then 20 years came up, as I tried to cope with the news of Karen’s day to day struggle. I have hope for you and the girls and know that no matter what happens, Karen will be a guardian angel to you and the girls, always. My dad is always there for me, I know it, I feel it, even 20 years later. I dream about him, think about him and visualize him.
Bridgette
Thoughts, prayers, hugs and love are sent your way.
God is with you
Love Joyce
Hi Mike,
I cannot even imagine the inner strength it takes for you to write the words that let the rest of us know the changes that transpire. I greatly admire the courage and grace you have shown. As Karen prepares for her transition to a better place, I hope she can take comfort in knowing that Ella and Hazel have a truly wonderful father who will be there for them.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
-Leesa
Sending to all of you prayers of love and peace.
Tracey, Frank, Will and Emma
I hope this blog has helped you both know how much love is with you two and with the girls, now as you make this journey and for years to come. We are all with you, no matter where we may be physically, and will be. Travel safe with this love Karen…Kerry
I feel very fortunate that I was able to have a brief visit with Karen (and her mom) yesterday. Karen’s mom expressed her gratitude for the wonderful husband (and father of her children) that Karen chose as her life partner. Although it is extremely sad to see her leave this world, I truly believe Karen will follow the angels into another place where there will no longer be any pain or suffering. It’s always so very difficult to say goodbye, but we must remember the positive impact Karen has had on all of us and her children will continue her legacy. Michael, be strong and know you, Karen and the girls have been in many people’s thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, and will continue to be. Karen will always be with us in our hearts and she’ll watch over her family forever. Thank you again for sharing the most intimate details of this journey with all of us. May God bless all of you. Ellen
Michael,
This blog has been a blessing to those of us living too far to visit. Thank you for taking the time – as hard as it must have been – to keep us all posted with Karen’s ups and downs. The both of you, your daughters and families are all in our thoughts.
Many hugs and much love,
Jeff & Rebecca
You two have been such an inspiration by expressing your courage to all of us. To be able to communicate your fears and hopes and share this with us has been your greatest gift. Karen…we will miss your endearing personality but I know Ella and Hazel will carry on your love and charm. They have such a supportive family and a loving Dad. May you find peace and comfort. Love, Ellen and Mark
Dear Michael,
You were only three years old when I first met you, Michael and even then I could see your gentle, caring soul which even now is evident. It has taken alot of courage to keep everyone informed of Karen’s condition. You are truly a strong remarkable person. Ella and Hazel are very lucky to have such a loving father. You have been a strong support for Karen throughout this ordeal as I am sure she is very thankful. My heart goes out to you and your family and friends at this most difficult time. You are in my prayers.
Jocelyn St. Onge
Karen– I am so grateful to have worked with you at Dondero. We all felt your constant energy, quick and lasting friendship, enthusiasm to teach all kids no matter what their needs, and to be an awesome team player full of ideas and willing to try anything. It is obvious that you are loved by soooooooooooooooooooo many people in every area of your life where you touched them. Your courage is amazing and I pray that you continue to feel God’s love holding you in these days.
Michael–You have kept us all apart of this journey–I can’t imagine how you have and are doing it. God bless you and the girls.
Jane (one of the gardeners)
I met Karen at a prenatal yoga class and was fortunate to cross paths with her and Ella later at a Mom’s group at Harbor Women’s Health. It was Sheila and Karen and then I showed up. Karen shared with me the joys and pains of being a mom during the first few years of motherhood. I’ll never forget her showing me how to smile at my daughter. I really had to work hard to get my daughter to smile at five weeks until Karen showed me how to open my mouth wide and grin. Karen’s beautiful smile made my daughter smile everytime.
She helped me connect with my daughter and connect with other moms during that important part of our lives. I feel truly blessed to have shared a part of my life with her. She is a great mother and person. I admired her strength and perserverance then and now. She has been a gift and will remain a gift always. Thank you Karen.
-Heidi White
Karen – you continue to teach us how to live, love and let go. You
are a remarkable woman.
Michael, You too are a teacher for all of us. May God grant you, Karen, the girls, and your parents peace.
Love,
Jill
There will always be a place in my heart for Karen. Such a loving and caring woman – so full of joy. We were so lucky to have her touch our daughter’s life. She had such a wonderful influence on her, and Elyza still has fond memories of time in the classroom with Miss Bonde. Ella and Hazel are surely lucky to have had the time with her they were given. My love and prayers go out to you all as you pass through this difficult transition. You made her dreams come true Michael. You gave her all she ever dreamed of. May you all find your way to the peace and joy that Karen always sought out in life.
Dear Karen and Michael,
Your fight has been incredibly strong and courageous. A true testament to the loving and gracious couple that you are.
Karen, when I think back to our days at Dondero together it is your infectious smile, sense of humor, and seamless dreams that stand out for me. Dreams that you made happen in your classroom and in your life because that’s just the kind of women you are and will always be. I loved the way your classroom felt like home, with green plants hanging and pictures of your family all around. You were a model to me then and even more so now. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to visit with you a few times as you traveled this most grueling journey. You spoke of your situation with such courage, clarity, and incredible strength. Rather than to withdraw, you faced things full-on weighing out all possibilities and thinking first and foremost of your children, husband, family and friends. You are a beacon of light for us all.
My deepest prayer is that you now feel God’s loving arms embracing you and your loved ones, holding you firmly in His grasp and filling you all with a sense of love and peace that surpasses all understanding. We are all with you in our hearts and prayers…always.
All My Love to You and Your Family,
Susan
Dear Karen and Mike. Just got back from Oregon and talked to mike this morning. Will be over around 4 today. Karen, I love you and you have done so much for me and Jeremy and Amy and Alyx. You are a rarity in this world. Hang in there; so many people love you.
Mike, I will send this address to Jeremy.
Love you both and Hazel and Ella.
Claire
You are in my heart and prayers ,now and always.
You are a true inspiration to me.
Remember the hangman game you did to announce your pregnancy with Ella.
Thank you for sharing this journey with us.
Love
Joyce
Michael and Karen,
We ask “Why?” and have no answers. We can only trust that God knows. What we do know is what an amazing example of courage, strength, faith and love you have all been through out this long and hard journey. Thank you for sharing the most intimate details of your lives with us. You are and will continue to be in our prayers.
Sending you and your family God’s grace, His peace and His love and ours,
Fred & Marianne
Dear Karen,
You are with me close in spirit. I have been sending you prayers and Reiki. I am grateful for the time we have spent together recently and throughout the years. I love you and cherish you.
Diane
Mike,
Just a word to tell you that you, your wife and your children are all in our thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you in the days and weeks ahead.
Steve and Bethany Kelley
Dear Karen and Michael, Ella and Hazel,
Thank you for sharing this journey with all of us who have been lucky enough to know the gifted, talented, and child-centered teacher, person, and mother Karen is. I know it must take incredible strength on your part, Michael, to keep everyone informed, and I only hope you are feeling the outporing of support that is being sent your way.
I join with all of those who are thinking of all of you and sending you every best wish for peace and love.
Maggie Evans
Mike and Karen,
You are two of the kindest souls I know and the friendship and generosity you both have provided will always be held close to the heart. I will always pray for you both and have no doubt that Karen will rest in the company of God. Her love has touched so many and will never stop being a source of inspiration for all she has graced.
Love and blessings to you, Karen, and the girls.
Jeremy, Amy, Alyx
Karen and Michael,
It is difficult to understand how human life can become so fragile. Yet Karen, after the visit that Susanne and I had with you a month ago, your strength dominated as you spoke so stoically about your situation and it was inspiring!
I know I can speak on behalf of the entire Delaney family and say that our hearts are with you both and we love you.
Always,
Cathleen
Dear Karen and Mike,
I feel so blessed to have spent some time with you in the hospital yesterday. Karen looked so beautiful holding her wooden cross and breathing softly. She will forever be an inspiration to me! I said the Lord’s Prayer with her and held her hand and it seemed to connect us all with the angels. I will continue to pray for her and you, Mike, and Ella and Hazel and Betsy who is so strong and beautiful like her daughter. I love you all. Claire