When Karen Humphries lines up for the 2025 City2Surf and takes on her first skydive next year, it’s not just about the challenge – it’s about raising funds and awareness for two causes close to her heart: cholangiocarcinoma research and support for cancer survivors.
Karen lives with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, as well as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a complex genetic condition. But despite everything, she continues to live her life with purpose, using her story to give back and drive change.
She’s recently added ‘author’ and ‘columnist’ to her already impressive list of roles, and as an advocate and speaker. Her first book, Chronic Wisdom, is due out later this year and captures what it’s really like to live with chronic illness. Karen also writes a regular column for her local paper, sharing reflections on survivorship, resilience, and the everyday realities of living with cancer and an invisible illness.
Karen has been an advocate for the NORTH Foundation for many years since first doing our flagship fundraiser Costumes for Cancer in 2021.
Transforming Hardship into Hope for Cancer Survivors
Alongside her writing, Karen has long been a dedicated fundraiser and advocate for the NORTH Foundation. This year, she launched Flying High on Life – a campaign blending personal challenge, awareness and fundraising – with the ambitious goal of completing the City2Surf and jumping out of a plane.
“These two events are more than just physical,” Karen says. “City2Surf represents strength and connection. The skydive is about facing fear and showing up anyway, even when life feels uncertain.”
Through Flying High on Life, Karen is raising funds for Professor Nick Pavlakis’ circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) research into cholangiocarcinoma and for the CanSupport Survivorship Program.
“Professor Pavlakis’ research is why I’m still here,” she says.
The CanSupport Survivorship Program includes the community-focused initiatives like What Now, a program that helps people affected by cancer feel more connected and supported.
Karen is taking on these challenges to show the emotional toll of rare and invisible illnesses.
“Jumping from the sky to the ground is my way of making the invisible visible,” she says. “It’s about showing the courage it takes just to keep going.”
Karen’s training has included a steady routine of walks, park runs and physiotherapy sessions.
“I feel strong mentally, and I’m building up physically,” Karen says. “These challenges remind me that I’m still here, still going. That’s something I’m grateful for.”
Her upcoming skydive takes her well outside her comfort zone.
“I’m scared of heights, but I’m doing it for others,” she says. “It represents everything I’ve had to learn on this journey: letting go, trusting the process and taking that leap.”
Karen shares this message for anyone navigating life during or after treatment:
“Take your time. Feel everything – the grief, the hope, the confusion. You’re not the same person you were before, and that’s okay. Find your people. Find what matters to you. And remember, survivorship is a journey too – you don’t have to do it alone.”
With honesty, strength and generosity, Karen continues to inspire. She shows what it means to live with purpose, give back and keep moving forward – even when the path is tough.
You can support Karen’s campaign through the NORTH Foundation. Donations will help fund cancer research and survivorship programs.
Donate here.
