Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Fall 2006)

In April 2005, Karen Hunt, a biology professor, swimmer, wife and mother, became one of the approximately 200 women in Larimer County who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Already in Stage 3, Hunt’s aggressive cancer was in her left breast, two lymph nodes and some of her blood vessels.

“The hardest part was the emotional and mental side,” says Hunt, mother to 15-year-old Sarah. “I knew I had a life-threatening disease and that I might leave my daughter sooner than I’d expected.”

After undergoing a mastectomy and starting chemotherapy treatments, Hunt learned about the Hope Lives Breast Cancer Support Center. She called and immediately felt a kinship with Joy, a young mother, who answered the phone. A survivor of the same type of aggressive cancer Hunt had, Joy told her, “I was diagnosed 6 years ago with Stage 4 cancer, and I’m still here and planning birthday parties.”

Founded in 2001 by Fort Collins businesswoman Lydia Dody, also a breast cancer survivor, Hope Lives! provides women with complementary healthcare services and other types of support to help them in their battle against cancer.

“We offer acupuncture, which helps relieve the nausea and vomiting many people experience with chemotherapy, and therapeutic massage, which reduces pain and helps women reclaim their bodies after surgery,” says Lara Ulfers, complementary care program coordinator with Hope Lives! “We also offer more practical help, such as housecleaning services, personal counseling and family counseling, taking into consideration which services would be most helpful for each individual woman.”

Clients may receive two free services a month. The support center contracts with specific providers who agree to offer their services at a reduced rate.  Hope Lives! then covers the cost.

Hunt often chose housecleaning and massage therapy. “After having chemotherapy, there were days when I didn’t feel well, and it was nice to have someone to clean the house,” she says. “And the hour-long massage helped me relax and forget about my cancer for a while.”

In July, Hunt had her last cancer treatment. She is now is considered cancer-free. In August, she completed a 2.4-mile open-water swim, a goal she’d set earlier this year. When she called Hope Lives! to report her accomplishment, the staff rejoiced with her. 

“It’s helpful to talk with other people who are going through the same thing you are, and through Hope Lives! you get that kind of support,” Hunt says. “You meet lots of people while you’re on this journey, and some of them are incredible. They’re people who make a difference in your life.”