In a significant move to support Canterbury women's health, Karen Koed has established an endowment fund with the Christchurch Foundation to help people access vital lymphoedema treatment and support services.
The Koed Lymphoedema Treatment and Research Support Fund, which will also receive a future bequest from Karen, arose from her personal experience with lymphoedema following breast cancer treatment. Working alongside her trusted advisor Mary Thomson, Karen wanted to address the crucial gap in accessible treatment options for many women in the community.
"I recognised a need," Karen explains quietly. "Many women weren't able to access the support and medical care I got after my cancer. It's terribly important because lymphoedema is with you all the time – especially as you move from treatment into rehabilitation. You have to have lymphoedema treated so it becomes manageable."
Early intervention is crucial for managing lymphoedema, a potential side effect of cancer that can significantly impact quality of life if left untreated. After receiving proper treatment herself, Karen was able to return to her active lifestyle of dancing, tai chi, and various movement activities.
"I wanted women to be able to prevent the potentially disabling effects of lymphoedema," she shares. "That's really important - it has to be caught in time. The earlier, the better."
Mary, who first met Karen during her breast cancer journey, has worked closely with her to establish the fund. Together, they found that the Christchurch Foundation offered the perfect vehicle for Karen's vision.
"It's given Karen a great sense of relief to know the money is with the Foundation and is going to go to the right people," Mary notes. "Your mind is at rest when you know you've done what you set out to do and you know it's going to continue beyond your life."
The fund will support local lymphoedema treatment services, assist patients who might otherwise struggle to access care, and fund much-needed research into a condition often poorly understood by the medical community. It is a practical solution to a real need - characteristic of Karen's approach to giving back to her community.
"You want to be able to do something about it when you come across something that's wrong," Karen reflects. "I'm just practical. Lymphoedema treatment and care makes such a difference to people's lives - it's about helping them lead a normal, active life during their rehabilitation."
The endowment fund will provide ongoing support for years to come, and welcomes additional contributions from others who share Karen's vision for accessible lymphoedema care and further research in Canterbury.
For those considering their own legacy giving, Karen's experience with the Christchurch Foundation demonstrates how local philanthropy can address specific community needs effectively and sustainably. The Foundation worked closely with Karen and Mary to establish a structure that will ensure the funds reach those who need them most.
"The process has been easy and taken all the worry away," Mary shares. "That's the best thing. The Foundation facilitated this so easily, smoothly, and quickly."
For more information about the Koed Lymphoedema Treatment and Research Support Fund or to learn about establishing your own fund with the Christchurch Foundation, please contact us.