Behind the story: The Quad-City Times interview

About a month ago, Gretchen reached out to me personally. I was honored that she took an interest in Kara’s story and wanted to interview us for the Quad-City Times. Per usual, my mind raced.

First, I had to sit with the emotions of having a story in the paper that I wish wasn’t our story in the first place. It reminded me of when I was salty about designing Team Kara t-shirts because I didn’t want a constant visual reminder that she has cancer and now it’s all I wear. In print her story will live forever and I just wanted to get it right.

So then my brain went straight into work mode: Oh God, I’m going to have to media-train my parents. Quickly followed by the reminder that this wasn’t press for work, it was personal. Kara’s story isn’t one I have to manage… but admittingly I can be a bit of a control freak when it comes to messaging.

In the weeks leading up to the interview, Gretchen shared an outline of what she wanted to cover. I decided not to pass that along to my parents. If I did, they’d overthink it and I wanted them to speak freely. The goal was simple: to raise awareness about what families like ours face in the healthcare system.

When I asked Kara about whether she wanted to do the interview, she lit up. Of course she was excited to meet new people and immediately asked what I was going to make. In a prior life, Kara was probably a socialite. She’s always concerned about making a good impression and making sure her guests are well fed. We landed on a homemade cinnamon-roll casserole and a breakfast pizza from Casey’s.

The night before, she wanted her bag restocked with Team Kara bracelets. Anytime she knows she’ll meet new faces at a doctor’s office, an event or in this case, with a reporter she insists on growing the team. Then, around 3:30 a.m., she woke up to rehearse what she might say to the journalist.

When Gretchen arrived, she walked in wearing Illini gear (or as Kara calls them, “Kyle’s team”). My dad informed her that we’re a Hawkeye household, and she replied, “That’s why I wore it.” She came prepared to be peppered with questions and even pulled out her planner to show Kara her calendar, a very sweet touch that Kara loved.

If you know Kara, you know she’s usually the one asking all the questions. So she was a little thrown by how many Gretchen had for her.

I tried to stay present and speak naturally, but when Gretchen asked what it was like growing up with Kara, such a simple, loaded question, I stuttered. There’s no way to summarize a lifetime of love, learning and chaos in one answer.

Then came the age-difference question. In print, I said something like, “We’re six or seven years apart, depending on where the calendar falls.” My mom and I laughed until we cried when we saw it. It's pretty well known that math is not my strong suit but for the record the fixed number makes it six years, six months and seven days. Still, I stand by my answer... depending on the time of year, as a whole number it's true! Right now I'm seven years older than her and in a couple weeks, I'll be six years older. It’s such a funny snapshot of how my brain works, always thinking in context instead of absolutes. I rarely see things as fixed; they’re always shifting depending on perspective, timing or feeling. My brain wants to account for all of it even in something as simple as an age gap.

I was proud of my mom’s ability to articulate everything that’s been happening. I control so much of the narrative through my blog and it was really beautiful to see her voice reflected in print.

Kara showed Gretchen and Katelyn her room makeover and they took some photos there. I had a small panic because she had just chugged a Pepsi and had the telltale stains on her teeth. My mom is the one who’s always monitoring Kara’s face and clothes; I’m much more relaxed. I’d rather not disturb Kara’s comfort for a photo. I’m both mortified and grateful that the pictures capture her exactly as she is unfiltered and authentic.

When the story came out, I was floored by the depth and care Gretchen and Katelyn brought to it. It was extraordinarily long and full of heart. I hadn’t expected that kind of space for her story.

If I could add one thing that didn’t make it to print, it would be this: the nurses. For every bit of praise our family receives for being strong, there’s an army of nurses making it possible. They are the quiet heroes of this story, the ones who check on Kara, who calm our fears, who celebrate every small victory. We could not do this without them.

We are so grateful for everyone who has followed along, shared the article or simply reached out with kind words. So many people have said they couldn’t access the story behind the paywall. Did you know two Sunday papers cost my mom eight dollars? It’s frustrating that local journalism isn’t more accessible, because there’s so much context and care that a real newspaper can offer but maybe that’s a rant for another day.

For now, if you can, grab a physical copy and see Kara’s story in print. For those with a digital subscription here's the link: https://qctimes.com/news/local/article_e63412f3-5960-473e-ac39-a72fffb9ebc9.html

It’s a tough read but it’s ours, it's honest and full of the love that carries us.

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If You're New Here

Hi, I’m Alisha, Kara’s sister and biggest advocate. Kara was diagnosed with Stage 4 Triple-Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (TNBC) in December 2024. Her cancer spread to her bones, liver and other areas, making this an incredibly difficult and uncertain journey.

Despite it all, Kara’s light still shines so brightly. She’s full of love, giggles and endless positivity. This blog is where I share updates on her fight, the highs and lows and the incredible community rallying around her.

Thank you for being here, for your love, support and prayers. We need them more than ever. 💛 And of course, Go Hawks!

Team Kara Support Fund

Your gift helps cover travel, caregiving and comfort-related expenses for Kara’s support team. While Kara cannot receive funds directly, your generosity provides the relief and resources we need to keep showing up with love.

https://givebutter.com/teamkara