A picture of faith:Mother of two relies on her belief in God to battle and over come cancer

Laura Gieseking
Staff Writer
May 6, 2004, Page 2

Good things can come from some of life’s most difficult journeys. No one understands this better than cancer survivor Karen Morris, director of Alumni Affairs .
“Cancer is one of those divine paradoxes,” Morris said. “It is such a terrible thing, yet, so many blessings can come out of it. Cancer taught me just how precious life truly is.”
Morris was diagnosed with non hodgkins lymphoma, a rare form of cancer, seven years ago. A tumor had formed in her throat and fluid began to fill her lungs.
Her life soon became a series of blood tests, IV infusions and chemotherapy treatments.
The chemotherapy caused her hair to fall out and she felt a tingling sensation in her fingertips so strong that they became almost completely numb. Through it all, she found inner strength through her faith in God and from the tremendous support of her family and friends.
Her two sons, junior Scott and freshman David were only in middle school at the time.
“When you are the mom, you kinda have to be strong,” Morris said, “but when my son Scott looked me in the face and asked ‘Are you going to die?,’ it was very hard to hold back the tears and answer, ‘I don’t know.’”
Morris’s chemotherapy was supplemented with an experimental antibody medication. The new drug allows the antibodies to attach to and weaken the cancer cells causing the chemotherapy to be more effective.
It was a success.
After six months of treatment, the doctors declared her cancer free. She was closely monitored for the next two years to make sure the lymphoma was completely destroyed.
“Even though sometimes we are fed up with big drug companies,” Morris said, “Their research is saving lives. It saved mine.”
Morris felt that her second chance at life was a miracle.
“Evidently,” Morris said, “I am still here for a reason.”
She said having this experience has given her an understanding that can help others fight their battles with cancer and show people the value of life.
“It is a terrible thing to get cancer,” Morris said, “but none of us know if we are going to be here tomorrow. Life is so fragile and all we really have for certain is today. We must appreciate each moment.”