The Gravity of Being Present

I’ve had a lot of people reach out lately, telling me they’re amazed by how I’m juggling everything life is throwing at me. Some say I’m an inspiration, which is so strange to hear. Whatever I might look like on the outside, just know: I’m hanging on by a thread, pretty much all the time.

Prepping for the DDP Annual Meeting is no joke. That presentation averages around 80 slides, and it’s mentally and emotionally exhausting to relive an entire year, especially when your work isn’t just about widgets. Our organization is this living, breathing part of the community. It’s a lot of pressure to get it right, to do downtown justice, to tell the stories of the incredible people who make this place what it is. More than ever, this year, it felt critical to land the message.

Kara wanted to come to the meeting. And then she didn’t. And then she absolutely did and then changed her mind again. You get the gist. But in one of those bursts of excitement, I thought: if she does come, I’d love to do something special for her.

I wrestled with whether or not to include her headshot as an honorary staff member, with the title “Chief Joy Officer.” I didn’t want to bring it up to my boss at first because, well… I didn't want to awkwardly force Kara into Annual Meeting messaging or put him in a position where he has to say no to my poor soul.

At the same time, I kept thinking about the life experiences I’ve always hoped Kara could have. One thing that weighs on me is how few dignified work opportunities exist for people with disabilities. I know she may never experience employment in a traditional sense and it’s not even about whether she needs to work. Nobody has to work to have value in this world. I just wanted her to have access. I’ve always wanted her to be part of a community, to feel included, and important. And I’ve tried to give her those opportunities, in every way my keys can unlock them.

So I brought the idea to Kyle. And, as expected, he said yes because he has the biggest damn heart.

The morning of the meeting, Kara wasn’t thrilled with the early wake-up call. But once she got to Hotel Blackhawk, she lit up. She was so excited to greet “her crew.” I sat her down at a table at the front of the room, barely able to wait for her to see her photo on the big screen.

And then Kyle did what he always does delivered a heartfelt, poetic presentation and introduced Kara to a room of 150+ people in the Gold Room. I'll post the clip below:

You could feel how much it meant to him that she was there with us. Because the truth is when she got her diagnosis, we didn’t know if she’d make it to summer. We weren’t sure we’d get to experience moments like this together. So the gravity of her presence today was deeply felt. It wasn’t just a sweet gesture. It was sacred.

I wish I had captured her smile. She was beaming. The roaring applause she received is something I’ll never forget. It felt so good and so right to honor her.

It’s not lost on me how incredibly lucky I am to have a boss and a job where compassion isn’t performative. Where people truly treat Kara like family. And when people ask how I’m managing it all, I think of the army around me. I’m only surviving by the grace of God, the generosity of my boss and coworkers, the Downtown Davenport community, and all our loved ones.

So when you ask how I’m doing it, just look in the mirror. Because the love, prayers and support you’ve all offered along this journey... that’s exactly how. I’m endlessly grateful for Team Kara.

Special shout-out to the my mom, the real hero that helped encourage Kara to attend. You are amazing!

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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 has 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