Karen Ann: Thriving Through Breast Cancer and Business
Karen Ann: Thriving Through Breast Cancer and Business
“I call myself a thriver, not just a survivor because I’m still going. I’m not just sitting here alive; I’m living while I am alive.” — Karen Ann
Karen Ann is an educator, children’s book author, early childhood enthusiast, and play advocate whose resilience has taken on new meaning after being diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2023. Despite the pain and obstacles, she faced leading up to her diagnosis, Karen Ann’s spirit remained unbroken. In her words, she describes herself not just as a survivor but as a “thriver,” someone who has not only survived a life-threatening illness but has grown from it. This inspiring mindset has helped her overcome immense challenges and lead a thriving business. Here’s her powerful story.
Thriving, Not Just Surviving: A New Outlook on Life
Karen Ann’s breast cancer diagnosis marked one of the darkest times in her life, but it also became a turning point. “Breast cancer gave me a new outlook on life—to live while I am alive,” she explains. Both physical and emotional battles have marked her journey, yet she has emerged stronger, more focused, and more intentional about how she lives each day. “I’m happier because of it,” she adds, recognizing the power of small, consistent changes in her lifestyle that have led to improved health and happiness.
Having dealt with other health conditions before breast cancer, Karen Ann was no stranger to pain. However, the fight against cancer gave her a renewed sense of determination. “I had to say, NO! This diagnosis is not something I should accept. I must fight!” she recalls, emphasizing her decision to take control of her life and health. From gradual shifts in diet and exercise to removing stressful situations, Karen Ann’s focus on wellness has helped her heal and thrive in her personal and professional life.
Running a Business with a Newfound Drive
Owning an online bookstore that provides educational tools for homeschooled families, Karen Ann’s passion for early childhood education fuels her entrepreneurial spirit. But surviving breast cancer has given her a renewed sense of purpose in running her business. “Breast cancer has helped me run my business in a way that inspired me to just go for whatever I want,” she shares. Now, Karen Ann confidently approaches every idea, dream, and goal, embracing the mantra of doing it and perfecting it along the way. “I don’t overthink it; I just do it,” she reminds other entrepreneurs to trust their instincts and act on their passions.
Lessons from the Battle: Keep Going
For Karen Ann, the biggest lesson she’s learned as a breast cancer survivor and business owner is simple but powerful: “Just keep going.” Karen Ann’s experience has taught her perseverance pays off no matter how difficult things seem. “It gets better,” she encourages other entrepreneurs, particularly those facing significant personal challenges, to remain hopeful and persistent.
A Message to Women Facing Breast Cancer and Entrepreneurship
To women business owners battling breast cancer, Karen Ann’s advice is clear: “Stay the course.” Sometimes you may feel delayed or set back, but you are not denied, she emphasizes. “Your time is coming, and in due time, if you endure until the end, you will reap a harvest,” she says with certainty, a testament to the strength of faith and perseverance.
Karen Ann knows firsthand the difficulty of balancing health, personal life, and business. Her secret to success? Prioritization. “Balancing can feel like a juggling act,” she admits, but it’s easier to manage everything when you focus on what needs your attention. I started with self-care, and everything else came afterward. The better I felt, the clearer I could think and prioritize other things,” she explains.
Giving Back: Sharing Her Story and Inspiring Others
Karen Ann is deeply committed to giving back to the community that supported her through her breast cancer journey. She speaks at breast cancer events, sharing her story and offering advice to women who find themselves in similar battles. “I pour back into the community by speaking to women, telling my story, and sharing what I wish I knew,” she says, helping to raise awareness and support others.
Furthermore, she explains, “I think business owners and entrepreneurs can support breast cancer survivors and awareness in the community by being informed, wearing pink in support, creating groups to join races and run for the cure, decorating, contributing directly to charities, and sponsoring breast cancer runs.”
Looking to the future, Karen Ann is excited about partnering with organizations like the Plateau Pacers to raise awareness, particularly in the Black community, where access to healthcare and breast cancer resources is often limited. “I look forward to working with organizations to share my story and bring awareness,” she says, highlighting her dedication to educating and empowering others through her experiences.
Building Her Business and Legacy
As Karen Ann thrives in her personal and professional life, her business goals remain ambitious. “My future goal is to continue writing more books to inspire early literacy and creating more learning tools that make learning fun for young children,” she explains. She dreams of one day being the #1 early childhood resource for homeschool families and schools, a goal driven by her love for education and children’s development.
For Karen Ann, thriving means more than just surviving—living with intention, embracing every opportunity, and helping others. She inspires and leads by example, thriving in business, life, and health.
You can connect with Karen Ann and explore her educational resources at KayKaysKiddieKorner.com.
