A Life of Resilience: Karissa Rund's Journey

Karissa Rund left the world on March 3, 2023, at the age of 40. Her life was marked by extraordinary challenges, but she faced each one with remarkable courage. She was just 14 years old when she survived the Columbine High School shooting. This traumatic event was just the beginning of a series of hardships that would test her strength and resilience. Karissa's journey was not an easy one. She lost her mother to breast cancer at the age of 11. Then, at 20, she became a war widow when her first husband, Greg Rund, was killed in action in Iraq. This loss was devastating, but Karissa found the strength to move forward. She later married Doug Rund, Greg's brother, and together they faced another major challenge: Karissa's diagnosis of stage IV colorectal cancer at the age of 31. Karissa's battle with cancer was long and arduous. She underwent nine surgeries and endured two years of chemotherapy. Despite the pain and suffering, she remained a beacon of hope and encouragement to those around her. Her mission was to serve others, to proclaim the hope of God despite her own struggles, and to be a light in the darkness. Karissa's impact extended beyond her personal life. She had a storied career in civil service, working for the Department of Energy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Homeland Security. Her work was not just a job; it was a calling. She was a speechwriter and public affairs specialist, using her skills to make a difference in the world. When her health declined, Karissa started a nonprofit ministry. Her goal was to aid, inspire, and support all suffering people. This ministry touched many lives across the country, and she pursued it until she was physically unable to continue. Her legacy of service and dedication to God will live on in the lives she touched. Karissa's obituary describes her as an abiding servant to God, a force of friendship, and a lover of adventure. She delighted in the victories of those around her, and her presence in the world was truly a gift. Her husband, Doug, was by her side throughout her illness, caring for her every need with tenderness and attentiveness. His unwavering support was a testament to their love and commitment to each other. Karissa's life was a testament to the power of resilience and the strength of the human spirit. She faced unimaginable challenges, but she never let them define her. Instead, she chose to live a life of service, hope, and love. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who learn her story.