Karen Tooley is a prominent figure in Sherman, Texas, known for her extensive contributions to the community through her leadership in Downtown Sherman NOW (DSN), a nonprofit organization founded in 1992 dedicated to revitalizing and promoting the historic downtown area. As the Executive Director, Karen has contributed to efforts to enhance the aesthetic appeal of downtown, created new programs to stimulate local businesses, and sponsored popular events showcasing the downtown area. She never dreamed that a member of the Sherman Fire Department would save her life on Christmas Day in 2023.
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women, causing one in three deaths each year. Unfortunately, most women don’t understand the magnitude of the threat of heart disease. With no prior heart problems, Karen was enjoying the holiday with her husband, Hunt, when she went into cardiac arrest. Immediately, Hunt administered CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, while waiting for the emergency responders to arrive. The Sherman Fire Department arrived within minutes, a key to Karen’s survival. “The firefighters did something they had never done before in an ambulance,” recalls Karen. “Their bravery and courage to do that procedure, with God’s help, saved me,” she continued.
The Sherman community reacted immediately asking for prayers and support via social media and throughout the town. “People I do not even know tell me they prayed for me. I am just so grateful to our community, the prayer warriors, and the Sherman Fire Department, our heroes,” Karen emotionally states. While at the hospital, the prognosis was not originally good with the doctors anticipating brain damage, if she survived at all. Miraculously, she did and after a long recovery, Karen is doing well. She believes the CPR training she and Hunt completed six months earlier and, of course, Hunt’s quick action spared Karen’s life. The city awarded the firefighters with a medal for their actions which Karen proudly presented to each of them.
Despite the setbacks brought on by her experience, Karen’s commitment to the community and downtown Sherman has never been stronger. When not working on hosting events that bring people to the local businesses or promoting and supporting members actively on social media, she’s busy mentoring and advocating for emerging leaders in the community, sharing her knowledge and experience to inspire others to take an active role in local development. Her passion for downtown is contagious. And while DSN’s focus is specifically downtown Sherman, any business in the Sherman or the Texoma Region can be members, something Karen highly encourages. “I love dealing with these business owners. They are real mavericks investing in the community like they have. They are brave, clever, and enthusiastic,” she maintains.
One of the many events keeping Karen busy is the annual Stroll on the Square. Patrons may enjoy top wines, food samples from restaurants, music, and shopping. This fall will be the thirteenth year for the event. If you like food trucks, mark your calendar for the May 3rd Sherman Showdown, a food truck competition. Besides enjoying delicious cuisine, the celebration will include activities for children, music, and shopping.
Karen also created “Coffee with the Mayor” over ten years ago. The meeting is held monthly on the first Friday at a Downtown Sherman NOW member’s location. It is a great networking opportunity plus you get to hear from Sherman’s Mayor, a notable guest speaker, and learn about a local business and non-profits. The casual get-together is open to the public and more information is available on the organization’s website.
It’s the small, fun gatherings like “Coffee with the Mayor” that Karen loves most about Downtown Sherman NOW and the Sherman Community. “I love that it still has a small-town feel. I know it is growing, but you still can go somewhere and know someone. We take care of each other,” she says. Perhaps Karen knows that better than anyone as so many people took care of her when she needed it the most. “I wake up every day and can’t believe I am still here,” she fondly says. “God gave me a second chance. I am trying to return that service with my involvement at Downtown Sherman NOW, helping to improve the community.”
February is American Heart Month and is a good time to learn CPR, something Karen urges everyone to do. This knowledge is a small way to impact someone’s life, just like it did for Karen Tooley. To learn more about Downtown Sherman NOW, visit DowntownShermanNow.com or call (903) 816-2811.