Lindon woman's battle with cancer inspires those around her

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LINDON — A young Lindon woman has been battling brain tumors for a decade, and she's only 24 years old.

Lindsey Karr is defying the odds while her family and friends are doing everything they can to help. They are rallying around her because she inspires them.

"What inspires everybody is that, even in her hardest times, she's always thinking about other people." Josh Karr, Lindsey's husband

#josh_quote

Lindsey had her first brain tumor removed at age 14. It was benign, but returned at ages 16 and 18 — this time cancer and radiation. Then she met and married Josh, and last year another tumor — this one in her spine. But she remains positive.

"I don't know where it comes from," Lindsey says. "I just know that there's a lot of people in the world that suffer. I've suffered to a certain degree but there's always people out there who have suffered too. So, I've just chosen to stay toward the happier end of life."

"What inspires everybody is that, even in her hardest times, she's always thinking about other people," Josh says.

Josh's company, Digis Network, gave him 10 weeks off to care for Lindsey. "To be with me," Lindsey says, "and take care of me and see to all of my personal needs, and things like that, has been really, really awesome."

Josh adds, "[We] take every single day as a blessing, and we love every single day and we live it the best."

Family, friends, even strangers are donating to help with bills. Ella Bloom Salon owner Jamie Johnson said she and her 13-member staff were happy to help with a Monday fundraiser.

"For Lindsey, her cancer, brain cancer that she's been fighting for the last 10 years, all of our proceeds, 100 percent of them are going to her today," Johnson said. "People have even come in just to donate."

Even though doctors say there is nothing more they can do for Lindsey's terminal brain cancer, she and Josh have faith. He painted a portrait of her titled "The Power of Hope."

"Just her attitude about life, it causes ripples and it touches people; and it changes their world," Josh said.

"She's an amazing person. I'm lucky to have her in my life," he continued. "Her hope is what carries us all through every day. One of the reasons why I believe in miracles is because I see one every day, and I know one, and her name is Lindsey. She's a miracle."

"I definitely believe that there is a reason and purpose why I am here, and so my purpose and mission and life isn't done," Lindsey said. "I know part of my reason and my purpose for being here is to help and influence and impact and teach what life is about."

When Lindsey gets back on her feet, she and Josh want to help other people in struggling situations by organizing similar fundraisers for them.

Lindsey says she is simply amazed at how much people care. She says while does have a bad day or two every once in a while, she chooses to be happy.

To learn more about Lindsey Karr and how you can help, visit www.forlindsey.blogspot.com

Email: cmikita@ksl.com