The Karen Wellington Foundation (KWF) aims to make cancer easier for women and families. Karen Wellington was the inspiration for it all. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 years old and passed in 2007 at the age of 40.
The foundation strives to capture Karen’s energy, zest for life and spirit by focusing on the joy of living. “Our mission is to put fun on the calendars of women (and their families) living with breast cancer,” explains Liz Knecht, Centerville resident and the Dayton Chapter leader.
Liz and Karen met when they were three years old, graduated from Centerville High School together in 1985 and the pair remained best friends until Karen’s passing. “Her resolve and courage to live life to the fullest while she battled cancer for 10 years was both inspiring and infectious,” Liz says. “She encouraged and supported others going through difficult times and was a fierce advocate for living in the moment. She taught me how to have fun and make memories even in the roughest of times.”
In 2024, the organization will have granted more than 3,000 gifts to women with breast cancer. They are a nonprofit and the magic happens thanks to the support of more than 500 hundred volunteers and 11 staff members. The KWF team is a family affair. Karen’s husband, Kent, is the founder and chair of the advisory board. Karen and Kent had two children together – Robby, who sits on the advisory board, and Angeline, who is the digital marketing manager.
For Liz, honoring her friend Karen goes hand-in-hand with having a positive impact on families and women affected by and living with breast cancer. “I see the impact in the pure joy and smiles of our recipients while engaging in a gift of fun, in the memories that families make when they get to spend time and focus on each other and not cancer, in the meaningful exchange between volunteers/ambassadors with our grateful recipients and so much more,” Liz shares.
In addition to their home base in Cincinnati, there are nine chapters of the foundation located in Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland, Wooster, Indianapolis, Kalamazoo, Denver, New England and South Florida.
Although the group’s language is geared toward women, the foundation honors all individuals fighting breast cancer. “We have recipients of all genders,” explains Emma Hooi, marketing and events manager for KWF. “Breast cancer is not as common among men, but we will help anyone and everyone who is nominated.” The nomination process asks individuals about their idea of fun with the goal that everyone who is nominated gets a gift.
Once an individual is selected to receive a gift of fun, KWF surprises the recipient. The presentation can be an intimate affair or a large gathering. KWF strives to tailor the gift of fun presentation to the recipient, and the attention he or she would be most comfortable receiving. Liz notes that KWF always presents flowers to the recipients because Karen loved flowers.
“Sharing the ‘fun now’ message resonates with these ladies,” Liz says. “We call it love bombs and several people from the foundation attend. It feels so good to give them a gift of fun. We read a letter, we give gifts and flowers and we give hugs. It is so cool.”
The foundation continuously looks for ways to spread the word about their gifts of fun. People are encouraged to nominate themselves, friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances or anyone they know in active breast cancer treatment. Although the foundation is donation based, Emma emphasizes that the KWF mantra is “we give first.”
Emma also notes that October is breast cancer awareness month, “We will have activities all month long to encourage nominations and giving,” she says. “All information is on our events page or you can find us on social media @kwfliving.”
Liz adds, “When Karen was diagnosed, she was 30 years old and had a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old. The doctors kept saying it was mastitis. We’ve come a long way with awareness and learning about having mammograms early. In October we do so many fun things to encourage personal awareness of breast cancer and how to bring the fun into the mix. It’s a connection to Karen that I will always have and it means so much to me.”
For more information about nominations, donations or volunteering, visit KarenWellingtonFoundation.org. To learn about the Dayton Chapter and get involved, email Liz at liz.knecht@karenwellingtonfoundation.org.
“Her resolve and courage to live life to the fullest while she battled cancer was both inspiring and infectious.”
“We’ve come a long way with awareness and learning about having mammograms early.”