On September 17, 2025, Karen Trusley went to the emergency room at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb after feeling unwell. Unfortunately, Tests and scans led to a preliminary diagnosis, which was later confirmed as advanced ovarian cancer.
Karen had surgery on October 8 and spent eight days at Memorial Hospital in Springfield.
Due to medical Complications, she spent three more days in the hospital. Her care team has laid out a treatment plan that includes months of chemotherapy and the possibility of further major surgery.
Follow-up care, testing, and chemo have required repeated travel between Macomb and Springfield.
A single parent to high-school senior Karsyn, Karen has been unable to return to work as a guidance counselor at Macomb High School or to her part-time event-planning job.
On top of the cancer, lost wages, mounting medical bills, and ongoing travel expenses have created a financial burden for the family.
Support Karen through her Medical Journey
Karen’s family includes her mother, Bev (BK) Logan Trusley, and brother Andy Trusley; she is the granddaughter of the late Mary and Jerry Logan.
Friends who’ve known her since childhood, teammates in softball, basketball, and volleyball, and fellow Carthage Blueboy cheerleaders, describe a woman who “brightens your day with a simple smile.” Shannon Kissinger, a longtime friend, wrote:
“Karen has a heart of gold and will brighten your day with a simple smile. We were both Carthage Blueboy Cheerleaders… If you can and are willing, please donate to this amazing woman. If you’re not, please share her GoFundMe. It would mean so much, especially right before the holidays.”
Community response has been strong and immediate. Jessica Hamann wrote, “Heart is broken. Karen Marie I don’t have a single memory without you.”
Elizabeth Shumate posted, “Oh my goodness, I hadn’t heard this news! ” Dina Gunning and Sandra Hurlburt added short, steady support: ‘Prayers for each of them.” Melanie Hookom offered, “So sorry to hear this! Prayers for Karen and the whole family.”
Cynthia Smith has also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses, travel, and daily needs. The Donations have currently risen above $15,000, with over 140 individuals involved in the campaign.
The family called the outpouring “incredibly heartwarming” and said donations and shares will go a long way toward easing the financial burden.
What the family needs now: continued donations, sharing the GoFundMe link, and daily prayers for Karen, Karsyn, and the medical team.
On behalf of Karen, Karsyn, and Bev Logan Trusley, the family offers deep gratitude to everyone who has given, shared, or prayed.
The immediate ask is simple and practical: donate if you can, share widely, and keep them in your thoughts.
