My name is Karen Nugent.  I live in Galveston, Texas with my dog, Bailey.  Even though I live in a different city from my parents and brothers, we are a very close-knit family.  I have 3 beautiful nieces and a very handsome nephew.

I began relaying in 2009 on a team with friends from work.  At the time, it seemed a fun thing to do.   In 2011, my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  It was then I realized the full impact of how important the work of the American Cancer Society is.  I became more involved in my local event:  First by taking on the role as a Team Captain, then Marketing Lead on my Event Leadership team, then stepping up to Event Lead.   In 2019, I was invited to be on the Leadership Team for the Greater Houston Area.

My father had surgery and has been cancer free for 11 years now.  Unfortunately, I have had friends who have heard those awful words, “you have cancer”.  Some have survived, and sadly, some I have lost.  While I have not been a primary caregiver for anyone, I consider myself a caregiver to all the survivors of our local Relay.  They are the reason I Relay.  They are the reason I raise funds to support the mission of the American Cancer Society – Save Lives, Celebrate Lives and Lead the Fight for a World without Cancer.  Research is such an important part of fundraising, but my passion is for the programs offered by American Cancer Society.  The ACS program that has a special place in my heart is Hope Lodge.  When I had the opportunity to visit the brand new one in Houston, my heart almost burst!

I am so honored to be a Voice of Hope.  I look forward to my newest role as one of the faces of HOPE for the American Cancer Society.