Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Romantic At Heart? Help Move A Mountain!

Kari Richards Conklin

Hello Clippers! Meet Kari and Barry.  Over the next 12 days you will be reading a bit about them and about how you can help me lift a significant burden from them.  Kari and I met in the 5th Grade and here we are many moons later.  We go together like peas and carrots.  She really is one in a million.  Why am I introducing them to you?  I am trying to draw some national attention to them in hopes of a Valentine's Day Miracle.  These two have the greatest love story.  I will share that tomorrow.  Just when Kari thought she would be always a bridesmaid and never a bride; Just as she thought she was destined to become a crazy cat lady; fate intervened and these two love birds found their lobster!  I am going to jump ahead to today and what is going on in their lives.  Tomorrow we will have a flash  back and I'll tell you all about how they met.  Kari and Barry were married in September, but getting to the alter was not all fun and games.  They have been thrown one curve ball after another.  A few months before their wedding Kari's dad was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment.  Weeks before their wedding Kari's beloved Grandma Sterns was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  They held their breath and hoped both would be well enough to share in their special day.  If those worries were not enough, Kari started having GI symptoms that were thought to be stress related at the time.  She spent the week before the wedding in the hospital and was quite uncertain about getting out of the hospital in time for their wedding.  With less than 24 hours until the blessed event, her doctor cleared her for discharge and they hoped that her scary experience with intestinal blockage and diverticulitis was behind them.  She found herself  back in the hospital within 48 hours of their wedding.  The following week Kari was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer and Barry's mom passed away.  The last few months have been filled with resections, infections, complications, ablations, perforations, recuperation, and vegetation with no possible vacation in the immediate or distant future.  Kari is dealing with the effects of her cancer and her aggressive treatment protocol. On top of that, she has been having great difficulty with her ability to move and get around.  She was recently diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder called Dermatomyositis.  This complication is like getting struck by lightening sssssix-ssssix-sisisi..tee.tttee.sssix times (ala The Great Outdoors).  What would make Kari & Barry happy right now? A Temperpedic Adjustable Bed and housing with handicap features.  They are locked into a lease and are trying to make due with what they have, but at the moment Kari cannot get to her bedroom to sleep.  She has no access to her tub and shower.  She sleeps in her recliner and Barry curls up near her on the couch.  He is a trooper and I love him and admire all of the fine things he does to bring love and joy to Kari every single day.   Love is in the air and many nationally syndicated shows are hosting love bird contests.  Help me spread this story and this cause like a bad virus!  In the coming days I am going to be asking all of you to vote and help me in my quest to knock on the doors of Oprah, Ellen, Regis & Kelly, Nate Berkus, Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz. Power in numbers, my friends!  Stay tuned for ways to get involved, please.  And pass this story along to everyone you can think of.  My goal is to start plugging this cause like crazy over the next few days.  If you believe in love, If you believe in miracles, join me to move a mountain for Kari and Barry.  It's about time for their luck to change. 

21 comments:

vtpugs said...

GREAT story- count me in

Anonymous said...

Count me in too!!!

Meaghan said...

Glad you're here to make their story viral!! I went to college with Kari and am so amazed at the courage and strength of the newlyweds. <3

Tina Giannico said...

Very nice story! I am a friend of Kari's as well. We've know eachother for about 10 years and she was a bridesmaid in my wedding:) It pains me what she is going through:( Anything I can do to help spread the story, I would be honored to help!

Katdunne said...

I went to college with Kari too. I'm sending good thoughts her way and am here to help.

sherri said...

You have my support and i am spreading the word!!!

Rhiannon said...

What do you need? The Mulverhill-Ladd Family is on board!

Anonymous said...

Kari is a wonderful young women. This is a good cause. Hoping something good comes of it.You have my support.

Aimee Marshall said...

Carrie great job on this story and getting the word out there...I am on board to support in any way that I can...lets get this out there and get Kari the help she deserves.
Aimee Marshall

Bethany said...

I had no idea! Thank you for bringing this story of love, strength and resilience to light. I went to college with Kari too and I'm happy to do whatever I can!

Anonymous said...

....I am Kari's Mom... my heart breaks for these two love birds! they have not even been able to have a honeymoon... Kari came into Barry's life when he needed some joy, as his Mother was very ill.. she brought him much joy at a very sad time in his life. Now here is their new life together, they love each other so very much, and Barry has been beside his new bride every step of the way..if there is anything out there that can help to bring them some joy and relief.. I hope it reaches the right ears! I love my new son-in-law, and I love my daughter Jen for moving in to help them at a time when I cannot........thank you all for your love and support, and jumping on board to spread the word...

Anonymous said...

Hello everybody....Kari is my sister......My heart goes out to her and Barry. I have never seen such dedication as Barry has given to Kari! I am greatfull that she found such a great partner! Please help them....I am so frustrated that I live so far away and cannot be by her side!

Anonymous said...

Please Count me in too!!!

Mrs.Rotty said...

I don't know what you need,But I'm in!

Let us know what you need, when you need it, and we will all help.

Hayley said...

Hello Kari is my cousin by marriage and I am so lucky to know her and have her in my life! When both of my kids were born Kari sent little cute outfits for them, and when the second one was born she sent my oldest a mr. potato head so that he didn't feel left out. It was so thoughtful! She is a great person and I am so glad her and Barry have each other!

We love you Kari!
Love Hayley, Brian, Noah, and Hanna

Whitney said...

I too went to college with Kari. And although we have lost touch over the years, her story is inspiring and I will do what I can for her. I am proud to say I know her.

Anonymous said...

Kari is one of my dearest friends...We worked together for a while and have been best friends ever since. We talked everyday about anything and everything. We have laughed, we have cried, we have shared many special moments...I was honored to be in their wedding..such a special day! It couldn't of been any more perfect for Kari and Barry. As much of a scare that it was that day wouldn't happen. It did! With hope, prayers and will that day happened...as will Kari's recovery. She has touched so many people's lives and she is such a fantastic friend, it's our turn now to return her the amazing strength she has given us all! Love you with all my heart Kari! ~Jackie

Unknown said...

Kari, I can't even begin to imagine what you and your entire family are going through right now. It was so much easier when we were kids. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now more than ever. The Brand family.

Anonymous said...

don't know either one of them ..but u can count me in...

Unknown said...

I have known Kari all of her life, as I am her Uncle Rod. Kari has always had a very caring and empathetic personality. She has always been very likable and lovable, and cares about the people that come into her life.
Kari and Barry's story is heart-wrenching, as depicted in the story listed in this blog.
They can use some positive feedback and karma from anyone willing to help out, in any way.
Kari and Barry are very much in love. They have been married since this past September 24th, and have not had the opportunity to experience any normalcy in their lifes prior to and since their wedding.
I met Barry for the first time the night before their wedding day. It was obvious to me that Kari chose the right guy! Barry has been a stalwart through this whole ordeal, staying by Kari's side and providing the love, comfort, and care that she has needed.
If anyone out there can help this couple to achieve some sense of normalcy in their lives it would be greatly appreciated.
Kari and Barry, we love you and you are in our thoughts everyday.
Love Uncle Rod and Aunt Marilyn

Melissa said...

This is a touching story, and you are right it is time for their luck to change... Please create a facebook page for them (I suggest as a public figure page) then everyone can like their story and you can get the viral attention you are hoping for!


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