It all started with a woman and a dream. Karen Wellington believed that even in the thick of cancer treatment, life deserved to be lived with joy. Today, her legacy lives on through the Karen Wellington Foundation for LIVING with Breast Cancer, which brings “Gifts of Fun” to women living with breast cancer—one spa day, one concert ticket, one beach getaway at a time.
Karen, a Cincy mom-soccer-coach-singer-painter-cake-designer, lived with breast cancer for 10 years—but she never let her disease define her. She dreamed of a world where women fighting breast cancer could get a break from the endless cycle of appointments and uncertainty. Instead of waiting until she was cancer-free, Karen believed in LIVING fully with cancer … and helping others do the same.
After her passing in 2007, her family made that dream a reality, sending one family living with breast cancer on vacation that first year. Today, the Cincinnati-based nonprofit has gifted more than 4,000 women and their families with moments of joy—from girls’ trips and sporting events to beach vacations and skydiving.
“We put fun back on the calendar,” says Emma Hooi, Marketing & Events Manager at KWF. “That could mean a relaxing trip to Florida or a girls’ weekend at Hocking Hills. It could also mean a zoo day, spa treatment, or even just a night out at a Reds game. It’s about helping women feel like themselves again—not just someone battling cancer.”
For Mandy Geyman, a 37-year-old Loveland native and our own former social media specialist for Loveland Lifestyle, those words took on deep, personal meaning. In January 2021, while 17 weeks pregnant with her second daughter, Mandy was diagnosed with stage 3 inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a rare and aggressive form of the disease. That same week, her oldest daughter, Lucy, just three years old, was diagnosed with autism.
“Things moved very fast once I was diagnosed,” Mandy shares. “Only one week after, I was sitting in the chemo center starting treatment as a pregnant woman … I ended up doing 13 rounds of chemotherapy. On top of cancer and baby appointments, we were on a new journey to find the best autism resources for Lucy. And COVID was still a big deal, so we had to stay physically isolated from most family and friends … our incredible support system surrounded us in so many creative ways—so we felt loved and not alone.”
Her husband, Matt, became the family’s anchor. “He managed my appointments, sometimes 10 a week, researched resources for Lucy, handled all our medical bills and insurance claims, and still worked full-time from a small desk in the playroom … he definitely had the harder job,” Mandy recalls.
Three weeks after her final chemo session, Mandy gave birth to a healthy daughter named Hope. Two weeks later, she underwent a mastectomy, which revealed a complete response to chemotherapy. After 30 rounds of radiation and multiple surgeries, she had no evidence of disease. From diagnosis to reconstruction, her journey spanned nearly two years.
Amidst this whirlwind, Matt and a family friend nominated Mandy for a KWF Gift of Fun: a week-long beach trip to Naples, Florida, in July 2022. A chance not only for a vacation, but permission to dream again. “Before that, I hadn’t let myself think about the future. I was cautious about making plans because the reality was, I was scared. I thought, ‘What if I’m not alive long enough to see the moment?’” Mandy recalls. “When KWF gifted me the trip, it was the first time since the cancer diagnosis that I had something planned for the future. It gave me a reason to look forward and to allow myself to be excited about it.”
That trip became a tradition. The Geymans now return to the same home each summer, forging a deep connection with the generous homeowners who donated the space. “We’ve never met in person, but we stay in regular contact with them—they feel like our own family. Our kids ask how many more days until we go back to ‘our Florida home,’” Mandy laughs.
Now with no evidence of disease, Mandy gives back by nominating others and sharing her journey on Instagram at @WarriorMamaMandy. “KWF provides something unique in acknowledging the importance of having fun and living life, despite the difficulties of a cancer diagnosis. They remind us that we’re more than just cancer patients. We’re people with dreams and goals—and they encourage you to embrace them.”
“We’re not just giving gifts,” Emma emphasizes. “We’re giving joy. We’re giving healing. And the reminder that life is still beautiful.” Helping remind these incredible families that joy and resilience can live alongside hardship. Which is why KWF thrives on community support ... through donations of time, resources, or simply nominating someone in need of a Gift of Fun.
Ready to get involved? This summer’s events benefiting the Karen Wellington Foundation include the10th Annual Birdies, Beer & a Band Golf Outing (July 14) and the 4th Annual KWF FUN Run 5K & Recipient Celebration (August 16)—both with proceeds supporting future gifts. Because their tagline says it all: More living. More giving. Less cancer.
KarenWellingtonFoundation.org | @kwfliving