Kara Lalumiere was the epitome of a people person with friends that transcended all peer groups. Her popularity is readily captured in dozens of photographs throughout high school and college; snapshots from a lifetime spent cultivating friendships that will never fade. She greeted everyone by name, possessed a contagious laugh, and had a gift for making those around her feel special. Maybe it was her warm and outgoing personality, her infectious smile, or her loving and compassionate disposition; people were naturally drawn to Kara. She loved adventures but most of all, life’s simplest pleasures; exploring new restaurants and movies, reading a good book or just curling up on the couch with her roommates at the end of a busy weekend. A loyal and devoted friend, sister, and daughter, Kara was most at home spending quality time with friends and family. Nothing was more important to Kara than the love and support of her friends and family.
Kara graduated in May 2005 from James Madison University with a degree in Business Management and was employed by the Target Corporation in their Executive Training Program. She quickly rose to become a Human Resource Manager and was just beginning to make an impression in the Target business community when she was diagnosed with advanced stage ovarian cancer. During her short time at Target, Kara left an indelible impression on her colleagues. Unable to work, her co-workers continuous prayers, cards and gifts were a source of great comfort during her illness.
Kara’s courageous journey began in the spring of 2006 when she was diagnosed with small cell ovarian cancer, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Despite the prognosis, Kara brought the same resolve and intensity to fighting cancer that she brought to every aspect of her life. She was determined to beat the disease and remained positive and upbeat throughout treatment. She embraced baldness when her much loved hair fell out and engaged in conversations with nurses and fellow patients much older than she. She faced this challenge with great dignity, grace, and composure. Her bravery in the face of adversity, at such a young age, served as a true inspiration to all who knew Kara. Despite surgery and aggressive treatment, Kara lost her battle after only seven months in October 2006 at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.
Kara’s Place
In recognition of Kara’s legacy of love of family, the Kara M. Lalumiere Endowment Fund has been established at Johns Hopkins to benefit young adults and their families with cancer. Recognizing the uncertain nature of a cancer diagnosis is more profound and traumatic when you learn that you will need to relocate far away from home to receive cancer treatment. Paying for this expense can easily put young adults and their families into debt, causing even more anxiety during an especially stressful time in their lives. Kara’s Place located in the Hackerman-Patz Patient and Family Pavilion within walking distance of the Kimmel Cancer Center will open in late 2008 offering young adults with cancer access to safe and secure affordable housing. A cluster of five suites in this state of the art facility, Kara’s Place will provide a comfortable, caring, and nurturing environment essential to their well being. It will assist in alleviating the financial burden of relocation and help to connect young adults, enabling them to share common experiences and learn from each other. As the fund grows, the Endowment hopes to address additional needs that will benefit and support young adults with cancer, making their journey with cancer less stressful.
To learn more about Kara's Place and our efforts to support young adults with cancer at Johns Hopkins, visit our donation page or email us at karafoundation@comcast.net.
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