Karis’s Story - Step It Out For Hospice

Karis Anderson’s story has touched countless hearts. As a young and spirited single mother, Karis’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2022. Her diagnosis was a shock to everyone, but Karis faced it with unyielding strength and an indomitable spirit. She underwent multiple rounds of gruelling treatments, each one a testament to her fierce determination to stay with her young son as long as possible.

By mid-2023, Karis’s battle became more challenging and her medical team referred her to Lake Taupō Hospice care. For many, Hospice signifies the end, but for Karis, it was about embracing life to its fullest, even in the face of terminal illness. The support provided by Lake Taupō Hospice enabled Karis to live every moment with dignity, surrounded by love and compassion.

Our team offered medical, and emotional care as well as on-going support for Karis and her family. Providing Karis with a wearable device which administered pain medication continuously she was enabled to continue working and spend precious time with her son Arlo and to watch his weekly rugby games. She was able to create lasting memories, and share heartfelt moments with friends and family who rallied around her up to her death in January 2024.

Lake Taupō Hospice services are free and available 24 hours a day, making an impact on someone’s life, as in Karis’s story, compels and drives us more. Karis was a lively and energetic person and inspired by people like her, we have created the “Step in Out for Hospice” fundraiser in partnership with Taupō Marathon.

Karis’s friends and family, moved by the care and support she received from Lake Taupō Hospice have formed a team to run and raise funds in her honour, committing to making this year’s event an unforgettable tribute to Karis’s legacy.

They are inviting everyone to join them, to walk or run as part of their team, create your own team or sign up as an individual to help raise funds to keep Lake Taupō Hospice services going.

Karis’s story is a reminder of the strength and resilience found within us all. It’s a call to action to support the services that help people live their final days with grace and comfort. By participating in the Taupō Marathon and “Step it out for Hospice” fundraiser, each step taken is a tribute to Karis’s courage and an investment in our community.

Lace up your running shoes, gather your friends and family, and let's Step it Out for Hospice. Your participation will help ensure that Lake Taupō Hospice can continue to provide the essential care and support that allows individuals to live every moment fully, just as Karis did.

To sign up to Step it out for Hospice click the link below

https://step-it-out-for-hospice.raiselysite.com/