This is a beautiful memorial to Karen. Thanks for putting this together for all of us. The picture of her with Addison is quite a propos. She provided a shoulder for many of us to lean on for many years.

Dear Fred and family,
Adjusting to the shocking news hat Karen is no longer among us is a difficult thing to do. Karen was a good friend whom I admired greatly and my heart goes out to all of you.

Karen was as special person and it would be hard to find her match. I believe her strong presence will be felt for a long time. she leaves behind a legacy of friendship with caring, independence and leadership. When things needed doing in Karen's life, she took charge and managed to get things in order without insulting anyone. Karen had a sense of humor and above all, bore her pain and hardships in such a way as to be an example to everyone. I don't think she realized fully what an effect she was having on people who knew her. she was admired and loved by those with whom she cam in contact. I know she was a special person in my life.

May thoughts and prayers.
Mary Ann Schroeder

Dear Fred,

Please accept my sincere condolences on your sad loss. I hope and pray that the pain of your loss will soon subside,the ache and the emptiness can never be quite overcome.

I pray that God be with you in your grief, and may the memory of your beloved Kaken always be for a blessing.

God Bless,
Love
Margie

Thank you, Fred, for setting up this tribute to Karen, especially for all of us who loved and cherished her love and friendship so much. Losing her is a tremendous loss to all of us. I will especially miss the times when I knew she would especially get a kick out of a joke or something said, and we would laugh or make fun about it ourselves. Or, she'd set me straight when I'd get overly excited about something. She is gone but not forgotten. And, she has made a lasting impression on all of us and the world. She will be with me always.

Love and prayers,
Kathy Dankwort

I am so shocked and sorry to hear of Karen's passing. I knew wher from the kptx board, and she seemed like such a kind, genuine person. She will be missed. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Fred-

Many thanks for the wonderful memorial website. It shows much of Karen's personality.

Many of us have lost a dear, caring friend. This must pale in comparison to the great loss you must feel.

Karen was always one to speak her mind, but always in a tactful way, never being disrespectful to anyone.

Again, my greatest condolences.

From Oct 2007 to January 2008 my wife Kathy was either in hospital or in rehab, in cold and far-away Minneapolis. We had planned for just a 10 day stay for her 2nd pancreas transplant, but with complications it dragged on for almost 3 months.

During that time I often talked to Karen out of sheer desperation at Kathy's seemingly never-ending complications and for a time even semi-comatose state. That was even though I hardly knew of Karen before then. She was such a comfort to me that I wound up calling her a saint. Really. She was one of a very few people I could really talk to all that time.

I feel so terrible for Fred, as we who have spouses with less than full life expectancies can perhaps especially appreciate. Let us derive solace from her liberation from what must have been an arduous existence, even though I know she cherished her life with Fred as much as any woman could. And let us hold her up as a shining example of great courage and even greater compassion for all her family and friends, whom she helped out so often in spite of her handicaps, to an extent I still can hardly fathom.

I grieve with you. Karen will be missed. I will miss her. Thank you for letting us share this time with you. Jim

I am so sorry to hear of her passing- we emailed off line and worked on keeping info from other groups available to everyone- she was one of the first people I heard from when I joined the group- I ma so sorry to hear of her passing she was truly a unique person that I learned alot from- I will keep all of you in my prayers

Dear Fred,

I wish I had words to offer that could console you and your family on Karen's passing. The truth is I'm having difficulty accepting that she is not with us. She was one of the first people I met when I joined the KPTX list back in 1999. She was incredibly strong, incredibly bright and had a great sense of humor. Karen was an inspiration to everyone. She will be fondly remembered.

Fred, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Shelley Langer
PTX 2/99

Dear Fred,
Just like Shelley, I am having a hard time accepting the death of Kake. I met her when I joined the kptx group in 2001, and have communicat3ed with her on and off the list ever since.
We were just emailing privately regarding my recent loss of function of my transplanted kidney, and whether or not to do dialysis until I am able to receive my brother's kidney. She was very influential in helping me to make my decision.
Fred, I wish I had words of comfort for youm but know that Kake was very special to so many people.
Lori Kirsch
kptx 3/4/02

My heart is broken. I loved Karen so much. No one will ever take her place in my heart.

Fred,

We all share your loss. Kake was always there for everyone else and she did always put other folk first. It came as a great shock to learn of her passing. I will never forget her memorial to Jerry Miller and then to have her pass along so soon thereafter.

I am so glad I had a couple of opportunities to share her life in person. I will miss her sense of humor and here pragmatic way of telling folks just how it is. She need when to be gentle and when to be tough. She was a true "Steel Magnolia"; sweet on the outside but tough on the inside.

Thanks for sharing her with us.

Thanks to all of you for your kind words aboutmy darling daughter, Karen. She was the love of my life, and words fail me as to how much I will miss her. We talked on the phone weekly, too little now that she's gone. Fred and Karen were perfect for each other. After nearly forty years, the wear and tear of the diabetes treatment finally did her in. As a parent, it's not fair for your children to precede you in going to heaven, but I know she is in good hands now. God blless everyone.

Fred:

She helped me more than anyone (including her)ever knew. While I am very sorry that she is no longer with us I feel fortunate for my time with her.

Fred thank you for allowing me to be with her, and her family, at the last moments here on earth.

Jeff

Just logged onto my email after a weekend with my parents; we've all been out of touch with the phones and are devastated to hear this about Karen. So many times in the last couple of years I have said to myself that I have to get to Austin to see Karen, my most favorite, funny, and just plain fun cousin. My heart aches to know that putting it off has made it impossible for me to see her again.

I only knew Karen through her words. Her words of humor, perspective and wisdom that she so freely shared with our kidney pancreas transplant group on the internet. Most of us struggled with Type 1 diabetes and then were fortunate enough to have a second chance with a transplant. Since there are so few of us that share those particular set of circumstances and experiences, Karen was one that I looked to for her almost 20 years of dealing with all of it. She certainly made an impact on my life. I am deeply grateful.

Donna Renick

Karen....

You will always be a song in my heart.

Betsy

I first met Kake when I joined the KPTX list, then in person with a group in Chicago. I had the privilege of assisting her there through the buffet line. Kake and I shared May 24th as our birthdays and she was 10 days younger than my daughter.

She gave me *What For* when I dragged my feet going to dialysis, but I am so glad I did (7 years ago 7/8) because she is one who told me a Type 1 who starts at 12% instead of the usual 10% has a better quality of life.

She will be missed by more people than you can count.

Blessings and Sonshine,
Jan Hughey
http://tinyurl.com/TSL-CLIP

I have never met Karen in person. However, her kind words of advice on the KPTX message board meant a lot to me. I don't post often but, Karen touched my heart when she posted to see how I was doing. She was and still is an inspiration to me. My deepest condolences.

Dear Fred and Family:

We are saddened to hear about Karen's death. Our prayers and our thoughts are for you and your family.

Love,
Judy Smith and Bobby Earl Smith

Karens words have often comforted and educated me. She was a free spirit who was always there to help. Her loss is being felt across the transplant comunity and beyond. I miss her terribly already. Looking at the posts here so far, and those on the kptx list, I can see she is still teaching. My prayers and condolences to all.

Diana Williams
born 9/1962
type 1 8/1963
kptx 11-7-2005

Dear Fred,

Kirby and I are saddened by the loss of your beloved Karen. We feel fortunate that we were able to spend some time with her on Thursday, and we are grateful that you called us.

From all the messages posted here, it is so clear that she affected many many lives in a very positive way.

We will always remember her humor and her bravery, never complaining about all she endured. But most of all, we will remember how happy you made each other and how fortunate you were to share each other's lives these past 16 years. We hope that will be a comfort to you in the days ahead.

Take care, friend.

Love,
Virginia & Kirby

I did not know Karen. I am one of the many people you probably won't hear from, who were helped by Karen. Her presence on the kptx list and frequent words of wisdom, humor and experience often helped me get through the difficult times.

After reading Karen's writing "The DM Ride", I learned that her history is very similiar to mine. Karen continues to inspire me to wake up and educate myself, to ask questions and to not live in denial of the reality of this disease. Thank you Karen for sharing your experiences with us.

Blessings and condolences to Karen's husband and family. You are in my prayers.

Colette Price
6/52
type 1 4/64
kptx 2/20/94

I want to thank everyone for all the kind words about my aunt Karen. I loved her dearly and didn't speak to her near as often as I should have. Everyone always told me that I was just like Karen. I see what a compliment that is really is. Fred I am so sorry about your loss. She truly loved you. My children loved their Kake so much. I just know that she is in heaven with Nanny now..... Karen, I love you!!!
Love,
Heather, Kale, and Paizlee

I met Karen in Feb, when I flew to Austin for my brother's, (Jerry Miller) funeral. It was instant adoration and I knew why Jerry raved about their friendship whenever we spoke. She wrote a heartfelt, perfect letter that was read at his service. She called him her BFF and I called myself in emails to her "sister of BFF". Her messages were filled with hope, humor and an extraordinary ability to articulate feelings that we all feel, but don't express so well. Hearing from her always brought a huge smile to my face and in my heart. I loved her very much and am so thankful I was able to meet her and be a friend these last few months. She gave me a great gift, in support and positive outlook.
Fred, I am so sorry. You and all her worldwide family are in my thoughts and prayers. I miss her very much. sister of BFF

My Dear Fred,

I am so sorry for your loss. Karen was a hoot. Even at the worst of times, Karen could find something to laugh about. You were also right about Karen's dogged persistance. If Karen decided to do something, she was going to do it no matter what. I first met her on the telephone when I worked for Social Security in Fort Worth. I don't remember just how that happened, but we had many laughs together and lots of fun times. I am so glad that you had the years you had together. Both of you are very deserving of the love you gave each other.

Love,
Mary Sue

Dear Fred,

I was very sorry to hear about Karen's passing. I only met her a couple times, but remember her smile and laughter. She's obviously been a positive influence to many people across the country, who will all miss her. My deepest condolences.

Rob Moreland

Dear Fred,

It's not how long you live, but it's how well you live. You and Karen were blessed to have found each other to love and share many wonderful years together. Allow the cherished memories to bring you comfort in the days to come.

I applaud you for creating this wonderful memorial website for Karen, and for being an advocate for organ donors.

I lost my beloved husband Emmett of 30 years in February, 2009 to cancer at 51 years old, so I truly understand and can relate to the the pain of losing a loved one.

Our lives will never be the same, but rather than focusing on our loss, I admonish you to be greatful for the time that you had with Karen.

In honor of Karen's life and legacy, I am going to make an appeal for organ donors on my husband's website at:

www.caringbridge.org/visit/emmettsmith

May you find peace, comfort and healing for your heart, soul, spirit, body and mind in the Lord, Jesus Christ.

I was so shocked and sad to hear of Karen's passing. What a beautiful and lovely person we will miss. Her sense of humor, her warm smile and her great love of Fred were three things I loved about her. I love you Fred and family.

I have come to know Karen from the KPTX website. Her forthright manner and insightful advice was a godsend to all who viewed her responses to transplant issues. Personally, she helped me so much with my fears when my eyesight was declining. She gave comfort, understanding and useful advice, while at the same time relaying her personal story and urging me to 'get over it and move on.' She had an uncanny ability to say just the right thing and as a result her messages helped so much.
I know that for everyone who knew Karen her passing is a tremendous loss. I believe, though, that we all leave a part of us within the people we meet and share our lives with and our spirit never dies. What a strong and influential spirit Karen was! May you find some comfort in knowing what a special lady Karen was to all of us who knew her through KPTX and how many, many people benefitted from her strength and spirit.

Pamela

I am so sorry to hear about Karen. I spoke with her just two weeks ago and she felt hopeful this summer would be her time to receive a kidney transplant. Karen will be remembered for her strength and wittiness and for her unwavering commitment to educating the public about organ donation. She will be missed!

Michelle Segovia
Senior Community Relations Coordinator
Texas Organ Sharing Alliance
msegovia@txorgansharing.org
www.txorgansharing.org
512.459.4848


Register your decision to donate at www.DonateLifeTexas.org
and remember to talk to your family about your decision!

Fred,
Kristy just came by the funeral home and told me of Karen's passing. I was the funeral director that had Karen's mother service. I got to know Karen and she was the one that told me about recorded books. I don't like to read because of a learning disabilty. But I do enjoy listening to recorded books. I have listened to all of the Left Behind books. I did not know Karen, but for a short time, but while we talked she had a very good spirit. May God bless you and Karen's family.

With my deepest sympathy,
Sam Lynn Callahan at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

Dear Fred,

I never got to meet you, but Karen fondly referred to you as her "prince after a series of frogs".

Karen is greatly missed at the clinic where she dialyzed. She was our #1 patent advocate and our go-to person whenever a patient was nervous about the prospect of a transplant procedure or starting dialysis. Throughout the year I got to know her nothing ever seemed to get her down. Thank you for posting her words and this memorial. She is greatly missed!

Fred,

Karen was a special person who could match wits with anyone. She truly cared for everyone, but the love that you and she shared was and is a special one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jan and Cal Moreland

Fred,

I am so sorry for your loss but grateful that you and Karen had so many years of happiness together. To find your true love is the greatest blessing. Words won't erase your loss but I hope the memories bring you smiles for many years to come.

I love the website and knowing more about Karen in the stories and postings of friends. I think it's wonderful you shared a great sense of humor. You crack me up, Fred. I especially liked the video of Karen and Maco Man. I could tell you were in control of production (especially since it just showed her butt the whole time). Laughter is a great cleanser and healer.

Keep the faith and God bless you and your family.

Love,
Jeana

Dear Fred, old friends come in mighty handy whenever life's lumps get bigger. Losing a loved one like Karen makes it mighty hard to sail,I know. Just hold on my friend.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Your ol' pickin' buddy. Rex Sherry

I would like to thank you all for more than just you words of comfort to my Family and myself...but also the chance to see just how deeply my sister has touched others. She was always quick with a joke and a smile as she was to tomahawk some sense into me. She was a very bright candle in a vary dark place.

see ya soon Sis...kiss Mom for me

I too met Karen through the KPTX website and was in complete shock when I read the news. She was always the first to write something both witty and informative every time I or anyone had any kind of problem. She was a great source of comfort and her words always made me smile. She will be greatly missed by so many people and I can only imagine what it must be like for you all her family and close friends.

I send you my heartfelt condolences. Than you so much for this beautiful memorial page. She will forever have a place in my heart.


Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers,

Heather

I want to thank everyone for the kind words about my sis she was my rock and my hero . i dont think i would have made it through our mothers death if it was not for her. i will miss her so very much and fred is very dear to me if you need anything you will always know where I am love alwasys KK

It's so hard for me to find the words to describe what Karen means to both me and my family.

Karen met my Dad (Jerry Miller) online when he began posting on the KPTX website about 10 years ago. When they discovered they both lived in Austin and met in person, it was instant friendship. I truly believe Karen was the main reason my Dad stayed positive, educated, and sober during his years of health struggles. When he was hospitalized for various reasons, she would gather up get-well emails and cards from his friends around the world and bring them to him to lift his spirits, yet she could also keep him grounded in her own gentle way (when he complained about his hospital room, she told him, "It's not a spa, Miller!").

After my Dad passed away in February, she would call or email me at least once a week to see how I was doing. Typical Kake - in the midst of her pain of losing both her mother and now a good friend within a few months, she would still reach out to care for others.

To her family, I am so sorry for your loss. You've raised an amazing woman. She was such an inspiration to us all, and still is. To Fred, thank you for being such a great friend and for sharing your Karen with us. I hope in time, your heart is healed and filled with the wonderful memories of the times you shared. Please let me know if there is anything you need at all.

Dear Fred and all of Karen's family:

What a shock and heartbreaker it was to learn just today of the loss of a very special LADY and friend. She will always be remembered, loved and a part of our Transplant Support Group.

Karen would always greet me at our support group meetings with a warm hug followed by a short rubdown where she determined if I had gained or loss weight from our last meeting--this would be followed by some good natured ribbing. Man will I ever miss this LADY.

She loved life, ole Fred and she lived to give encouragement to others in need.

God makes only a few special angels--Karen was a selected one.

May God be with Karen and her family.

God Bless.

David Bryant

A death is always sad but for one of the KPTX members whose posts I have read for many, many years is devastating. My sympathies for your loss.

My heart sank when I heard the news of Karen's passing. I've known Karen for years as my student,my peer and best of all as my friend. We went through years of blindness, diabetes, kidney trainings, support groups, speeches and meetings together. Karen was such a great friend and support when I ended up on dialysis and eventually transplanted and Fred you had to put up with all of it.
It's always difficult to find the right words to say during times like this. Fred, your love, kind heart and supportive spirit is what led Karen home everyday. It didn't matter how many meetings, how many e-mails or how many dialysis or hospital visits Karen made, Karen loved going home to you.
We'll all miss Karen, but no one more than you. Fred, may your life be filled with cherished memories of the woman, friend and champion we all love and miss. May the Lord grant you peace and rest. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful gift with us.
Love Always,
John

I went to school and church with Karen in Fort Worth. I haven't seen her in years, but I am so sad to hear about her passing. I truly loved Karen. We had alot of fun. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

To Fred and Family.
I first met Karen when she was just a young girl and a friend of my daughter, Cathy. Karen was always positive, funny, and honest/straight forward with her words. All through her illness and trials she would drop me an E-Mail about the diffent foundations she was involved in, and, of course sending a funny story every once in a while. She was kind enough and so very proud to send a picture now and then and especially of the baby. Our hearts are sad for your family. She will be greatly missed, and I certainly will miss her messages.

Fred,It would have been a privilege to have known Karen. Her story touched me deeply and I'm sure her family is so proud of her and her work. May God continue to bless the people she touched. Her life was cut much, much too short.

Thank you so much for sharing this memorial with the world. Each time I read something she has written makes me feel her close to me as if she is standing behind me reading it along with me. Kay was a wonderful, thoughtful, loveing friend and I will miss her more than words can tell. We had lost touch resently and it was such a shock to hear of her leaving this world. Fred, I am so sorry for the pain in your heart, she loved you very much.