Karen's Foundation

Who We Are

The Karen Weidinger Foundation (KWF) was established in 2004 to honor our dear friend Karen who lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 38. We are located in the St. Charles area, staffed entirely with volunteers and are focused on improving breast cancer awareness and early detection, as well as providing comfort and hope for families in St. Charles and surrounding communities whose lives have been affected by breast cancer.

Our most important objective, besides the patients themselves, is to keep the money we raise in the St. Charles area. These funds are being used to purchase "items of compassion", such as post-mastectomy camisoles, wigs & head coverings and "quillos", a unique pillow-quilt combination given to women during their chemotherapy treatments. Other programs have been funded, such as yoga classes and post-treatment dietary consultation. Most, if not all of these, are typically not covered by insurance, but can immediately and dramatically affect patients in a positive way. As our foundation continues to grow, so does our ability to reach out and assist more patients and more programs. Together, we really can make a difference.

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Support for Saint Charles Women

HISTORY AND SUPPORT INFO

The Karen Weidinger Foundation (KWF) was established in 2004 to honor our friend, the late Karen Weidinger. The foundation is dedicated to providing compassion and support for those affected by breast cancer. Karen Weidinger
KWF is St. Charles County's Breast Cancer Foundation focused on improving breast cancer awareness, early detection and helping those that have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The foundation supports patients who may face financial barriers to receiving the care and support they need during diagnosis or treatment of breast cancer. KWF focuses on assisting patients that may have financial challenges with breast related health care needs. In honor of Karen, we are privileged to be able to offer financial support for patients who are otherwise unable to cover the cost of care.
KWF is available to assist patients and their families with a variety of resources and materials. These resources can include items such as wigs, camisoles, nutrition education, wellness programs, including yoga and counseling options. The foundation is here to help residents in St. Charles and its surrounding communities, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance coverage. KWF partners with SSM Health throughout the Greater St. Charles County area to offer support and service offerings to patients within our community.

To inquire about what resources you may be eligible to access, please contact our Breast Nurse Navigators at 636-498-7923 or 636-755-3056 The foundation continuously searches for community support through monetary and voluntary contributions. As the foundation grows, so does our ability to reach out and assist more patients and their families. If you or someone you know would like to be part of the KWF, or would like to make a tax deductible donation. please e-mail us at: info@karensfoundation.org

1966: Karen was born and raised in St. Charles, Missouri, and attended Duchesne High School.
2002: In June, Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer and received multiple treatments and chemotherapy and radiation.
2003: In the fall, Karen was re-diagnosed with breast cancer.
2004: On March 29th, after a relentless struggle, Karen lost her battle with breast cancer. Only a couple of months after her death, her co-workers at Chase Mortgage held the "1st Annual Karen Weidinger Memorial Golf Tournament" and raised $5000, which was donated to a local breast cancer foundation. The Karen Weidinger Foundation (KWF) was formed on June 29th 2004.
2005: The 2nd Annual Karen Weidinger Memorial Golf Tournament was held. A donation of $12,000 was made to SSM's H.W. Cancer Center in St. Charles.
2006: The 3rd Annual Karen Weidinger Memorial Golf Tournament, and the 1st Annual for a Kause (K4AK) SK were held. A donation of $32,000 was made to SSM's H.W. Koenig Cancer Center.
2007: The Karen Weidinger Foundation is granted 501 (c)3 tax status, allowing donations to be fully tax-deductible to the extent of the law. The 4' Annual Karen Weidinger Memorial Golf Tournament and the 2nd Annual K4AK are held. A donation of $38,000 was made to SSM's St. Joseph Foundation.
2008: The 3rd Annual K4AK was held, and a donation of $28,000 was made to SSM's St. Joseph Foundation.
2009: The 4th Annual K4AK was held, and a donation of $30,000 was made to SSM's St. Joseph Foundation.
2010: The 5th Annual K4AK and the Is Annual GOT PINK? RAFFLE PARTY were held, allowing a donation of $40,000 was made to SSM's St. Joseph Foundation.
2011: The 6th Annual K4AK and the 2nd Annual GOT PINK? RAFFLE PARTY were held. A donation of $40,000 was made to SSM's St. Joseph Foundation.
2012: The 7th Annual K4AK was held and a donation of $40,000 was made to SSM's St. Joseph Foundation.
2013: The 8th Annual K4AK was held and a donation of $40,000 was made to SSM's St. Joseph Foundation.
2014: The gth Annual K4AK was held and a donation of $40,000 was made to SSM's St. Joseph Foundation.
2015: The 10th Annual K4AK was held and a donation of $40,000 was made to SSM's St. Joseph Foundation.
2016: The 11th Annual K4AK was held and a donation of $34,000 was made to SSM's St. Joseph Foundation.
2017: The 12th Annual K4AK was held and a donation of $22,000 was made to SSM's St. Joseph Foundation.
2018: The 13th Annual K4AK was held and a donation of $35,000 was made to SSM's St. Joseph Foundation.
2019: The 14th Annual K4AK was held and a donation of $40,000 was made to SSM's St. Joseph Foundation.
2020: The 15th Annual Karen for a Kause was cancelled due to COVID-19, but still raised over $20.000! Continued supporting SSM St. Joseph Foundation and began our support of Pink Ribbon Girls and Gateway to Hope
2021: The 16th Annual Karen for a Kause was held on Saturday, May 8th in Frontier Park (& Virtually)! Continued support of SSM St. Joseph Foundation, Pink Ribbon Girls and Gateway to Hope.
2022: The 17th Annual Karen for a Kause was held on Saturday, May 7th 2022. Continued support of SSM St. Joseph Foundation, Pink Ribbon Girls and Gateway to Hope. Initiated Annual Pledge of $25,000 to support the SSM Health Foundation “Empowering and Engaging Women Program”
2023: The 18th Annual Karen for a Kause was held on Saturday, May 13th 2023. Continued support of SSM St. Joseph Foundation, Pink Ribbon Good, Gateway to Hope and Annual Pledge of $25,000 to support the SSM Health Foundation “Empowering and Engaging Women Program"