From the Seattle Times July 4, 2000-KAREN CALLISON, whose friends
raised
thousands of dollars to grant her dying wish for a family trip, was on the
road yesterday with her husband, brother and two children.
Callison, 36, was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago. In May,
doctors said chemotherapy was no longer working and gave her about six months
to live. Six childhood friends stepped in to help Callison realize her dream
of a family trip that would include a visit with her brother, who had cancer
of the larynx.
Callison's family hit the road Sunday, planning to stop at Yellowstone
National Park, Disneyland and Las Vegas, where her ailing brother lives.
The cancer has limited Callison's mobility, so her husband Steve carried her
from their home to the donated 29 foot recreational vehicle they will use on
their trip. Accompanying them are their children Corey, 16, and Clarissa 9,
and another brother, Barry Shepherd of Woodland, Wa. Friends decorated the
back bumper of the motorhome with pink lipstick kisses and "Disneyland or
bust" messages.
Her friends helped raise more than $17,000, far exceeding their goal of
$7,000. "We would have never been able to afford a trip like this," Steve
CALLISON said. Money not used for the trip will go toward scholarships and
Callison's medical expenses.
Contributions can be made to the Lower Columbia Longshoremen Federal Credit
Union's "Last Wish Account" at 629-14th Ave. Longview, WA. 98632.