March’s Volunteer of the Month Karen Conroy

Our Volunteer for the Month of March is Karen Conroy!  

Karen is very strict with her health, so it is no surprise that she was diligent when it came to mammograms since cancer runs in her family, and began testing at a young age. Unfortunately, she found out she was a BRCA gene carrier and was diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer in 2020. Karen has had a double mastectomy, a hysterectomy, and nine cancer surgeries. While also having a total hip replacement surgery in between.

“Keeping my mind strong was my top priority. I figured I could get through anything. Tell me what I need to do, get it done - nothing in between, there’s no time for that.”

Her plastic surgeon, Dr. Ruane, told her about 412Thrive and Karen immediately felt a connection and sought out opportunities to help. “I attended meetings, events and retreats. The whole time I thought I was giving myself to others to help them, to guide them and support them,” she said. “I’ve always said I never wanted friends because it opens up an option for negativity, I don’t care for drama and negativity - I would rather be by myself.”

While she thought she was joining 412Thrive to help others, she found this group was providing her with a lot more, too. “Being part of this group of women has exceeded anything that I could imagine. So much love, support and uplifting positivity - something I never thought a large group of women could have with each other. There is no judgment, no negativity. Only friendships, bonds, friends that are now called family.”

While Karen recognizes multiple benefits to being a member of 412Thrive, her gracious heart is with her sisters' hearts. “My Ride or Die group, is my rock, my friends. It isn’t about cancer - it’s about women uplifting women. Genuinely caring about each other, being there for each other whatever that looks like."

She continues, “I’m very grateful for the women in this group. When meeting someone who joined for the first time, you feel like you’ve been friends with them for a long time. They feel very welcome. 412 Thrive is not just about cancer. It’s about creating something that not many people get to experience.”

Thank you, Karen, for all that you do for 412Thrive. You’re the tits!