The Karen P. Nakon Breast Cancer Foundation was established on February 22, 2003, Karen’s 38th birthday, to honor her graceful and courageous five-year battle against breast cancer.  The primary objectives of The Foundation are to fund breast cancer research and to help families endure the staggering cost of treatment.  With the help of our friends and family, The Foundation got off to a great start in 2003 

    The first year, as with many other new endeavors, was spent creating a solid base upon which to build. The difference with our foundation was the emotion and commitment engendered by Karen herself.  Her charism was such that family and friends worked tirelessly to assure that money would be raised and systems would be in place so that Karen’s wish would be fulfilled.  (see Karen’s Story).  In 2003, a golf outing held at Red Tail County Club in Avon, Ohio was, to even the most optimistic among us, amazingly successful.  Once finished, though, we realized that in some ways our enthusiasm had put the proverbial cart before horse and we now had to create a organization around the energy.  A Board of Directors was selected,  an Administrative office was put in place and our Mission was formed.

Members of the Board of Directors
for the Karen P. Nakon Breast Cancer Foundation

 Debra Albert, Rita Andolsen, Joseph Baar, MD., Michael Creadon,
Ralph Lustri, ESQ., Nancy Lustri, Matt Nakon, ESQ.,
Jim Peters, ESQ., Todd Rossman, Holly Selvaggi, ESQ.,
Rachelle Zidar, ESQ.,

Mission Statement

The Mission of The Karen P. Nakon Breast Cancer Foundation is twofold:  to provide funds that will support breast cancer research and to extend financial assistance to families who are burdened with the staggering cost of breast cancer treatment. 

    As an additional fundraiser and a way to spread the mission of the foundation, Nick Nakon, Karen’s teenage son, lent the Foundation his artwork to be used for a calendar and note cards.  (see our gift shop)  Originals of his work draw some of the highest bids at the silent auction at our golf outings.

    In year two, we were committed to making The Foundation known.  In addition to another successful golf outing, we were able to secure positive press, publish a newsletter, be a part of several health and craft fairs, and become the recipient of many community fundraisers who chose us as their focus.  A few devoted runners organized the First Annual Turkey Dash on Thanksgiving Day morning.  Not only did this event raise funds for The Foundation, it got a whole new group of people involved in fulfilling the mission or our organization.

    By the end of our second and third year, we were in a position to begin to grant aid to women in need of help.  To date, our foundation has helped over 70 women in need of financial assistance.  (Read about some of these women and their families - click here)  The majority of those funds have allowed families to stay in their homes while their mom/ wife completes treatment.  This result is just what Karen would have wanted.

    Although we need to grow much larger in order to achieve the financial base to make significant grants to fund research, we continue to work toward that goal. 

The Foundation at a Glance

February 23, 2003: Foundation established and work begun on establishing not for profit status.

September, 2003:  First Annual Golf Outing and Silent Auction at Red Tail Golf Club.

February, 2004:  Work begins on creating products to raise money for The Foundation.

May, 2004:  2005 Calendars featuring Nick Nakon’s artwork go on sale.

May-June, 2004:  Public Relations campaign in media to acquaint the public with The Karen P. Nakon Breast Cancer Foundation.

June, 2004:  Notecards go on sale to raise money for The Foundation.

June, 2004:  Board of Directors hold their first meeting and approve Mission and direction for The Foundation.

July, 2004:  Administrative Office established to handle the day-to-day operations of The Foundation.

July, 2004:  Second Annual Golf Outing and Silent Auction at Red Tail Golf Club.

November 2004:  First Annual “Turkey Dash” held in the Red Tail Community in Avon, Ohio.

December 2004 – January 2005 - First grants given to women undergoing treatment for breast cancer and their families.

August 2005:  Third Annual Golf Outing and Silent Auction at Red Tail Golf Club.

November 2005:  Second Annual Turkey Dash attracts over 300 runners on a VERY cold Thanksgiving Day.

Mother's Day 2006:  We launch the  1 For Every One campaign to help raise additional dollars for The Foundation.

August 2006:  Forth Annual Golf Outing and Silent Auction at Red Tail Golf Club.

November 2006:  Third Annual Turkey Dash attracts close to 700 on a beautiful Thanksgiving Day.

December 2006:  1 For Every One Campaign finishes the year raising over $20,000 for The Foundation.

December 2006:  Received 20 applications and were able to fund 13 women and their families.

August, 2007 Fifth Annual Golf Outing raised over $46,000.

November, 2007 Fourth Annual Turkey Dash raised over $27 with over 850 registrants.

December, 2007 47 applications for assistance were received this year and 32 families were assisted.