This appeal is being made on behalf of Susan (Schaefer) Karas of Ballwin, MO, who underwent surgery on Sept 22, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, for the removal of a Stage 4 Glioblastoma brain tumor. The cancerous tumor was fully removed during a 2-hour surgery, but she remains in Neuro-ICU and is experiencing a challenging recovery. She is facing this fight with incredible bravery but the road to recovery may be long. Her medical team is working diligently on her behalf.
We know that her lifelong faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior sustains her each and every day. Before surgery, Susan told her daughter that if what she is going through could bring people closer to Jesus, then that would make her happy. She found comfort in knowing that even through this difficult trial, God could use her journey to touch other people's lives and draw them closer to Him. She was not afraid.
Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Susan is a former registered nurse and worked for many years in oncology at Ingalls Memorial Hospital, Harvey, IL providing many hours of compassionate nursing care for cancer patients. Susan grew up in Wilmot, South Dakota, and in Orland Park, Illinois. For the past nineteen years, she has resided in Ballwin, MO, a suburb of St. Louis.
This is the second recurrence of glioblastoma for Susan, having first been diagnosed in October of 2015. The same doctor and hospital successfully removed the brain tumor at that time and she was blessed with an additional 11 years since her first diagnosis – an outcome that is almost unheard of with this type of cancer. We can only attribute that to the grace and mercy of God and we are once again praying for another miracle to occur that will grant her many more years of life.
She is supported by her husband, Jim, two daughters, Amanda and Angela, son Andy, daughter-in-law Emma, son-in-law Justin, a 1-1/2 year old granddaughter and another grandchild expected in Jan 2027. There are many out-of-pocket expenses that Medicare does not cover in addition to expenses that her family is occurring as they spend each day with her at the hospital. After discharge, long term care and medical treatment is expected which will come with many additional expenses.
How You Can Help:
We know that God is our Ultimate Healer, and we place our trust in Him during this difficult time. If you feel led to support Susan’s continued recovery, here is how you can stand with us:
- Pray: Please keep Susan and our family in your daily prayers for strength, comfort and complete healing, in Jesus' name.
- Give: Any amount directly relieves the financial pressure so she can focus entirely on her recovery.
- Share: Please share this link with your friends, family, church community and social networks.
Funds will be disbursed to Susan’s husband of 36 years, Jim Karas, and used toward any and all expenses related to her recovery.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, concern and prayers. We will post updates on Susan’s treatment and progress when we can.
Campaign Organizer Note: This campaign is created and managed by Susan’s sister, Joey Harman.
