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Karen Hornbostel October 16, 1952 – October 24, 2006 Advocate, athlete, angel, survivor, warrior, and teacher succumbs to breast cancer
Karen Hornbostel was one-of-a-kind. She was a mix of good-natured goofiness, drive and persistence. If you took the “Energizer Bunny” and put her into human form, Karen would be it. She kept going and going and going, despite setbacks with cancer. For those lucky enough to know Karen, one thing they knew for certain was that cancer wasn’t going to get the best of her. So, when word came that the Energizer Bunny’s drum had stopped beating October 24, it took many by surprise.
First diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993, Karen initially did extremely well through treatment, and after surgery and chemotherapy came back to win another National Road Masters Championship in 1996. Then, four years later the cancer returned with a vengeance. For the first time in her life, the semi-pro cyclist struggled physically. But true to her personality, she didn’t let that get her down. She looked at her struggle as an opportunity to help other cancer patients recover from treatment by incorporating exercise into their daily lives. As a consequence, Summit Cancer Solutions, Inc., a Denver-area not-for-profit that offers exercise programs for individuals with cancer was born. Her commitment and drive inspired hundreds of people to get up every day, get motivated, and exercise through the nausea and pain.
Recognized nationally for her work in this arena, Karen was the recipient of multiple awards including the Lance Armstrong Foundation Spirit of Survivorship Award in 2003 and the Jacque Mattson Award from the Denver Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. But the accolades weren’t what motivated her. They were just extra credit that she earned along the way. For Karen, the ultimate compliment was how she motivated and touched others.
Even though Karen lost her battle with breast cancer, it didn’t get the best of her. We got the best of her. So, every time you see the Energizer Bunny, think of Karen. And smile. She’s still going, going, going, but not gone.
- Written by Dana Brandorff for the Susan G. Komen Denver Affiliate December 2006 newsletter.
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