Karokat

My nickname in the beading world is Karo (short for Kathleen Rosanne). I’m a two-time cancer survivor who had a career in corporate America for 21 years (after getting a degree in Music!). I’m now permanently disabled with chronic back pain due to two kidney cancer surgeries, and I bead to keep myself sane and to make some extra money to pay off medical bills. My business is called Bead Poetry, and hopefully someday I’ll have a website. Or maybe an Etsy shop. Or both!

I’ve been married for almost 28 years to my wonderful husband, who almost died 9 years ago (anyone ever heard of Legionnaire’s Disease? ARDS?). We hope he’ll be able to return to work someday, but for now he’s learning to make jewelry of his own, which is quite challenging for him since he has nerve damage in both hands.

Our little family includes 4 sweet cats (Aingeal, Dal, Merlin & Skwirl), two chatty cockatiels (Jazz & Jinx), and our beloved mini long-haired dachshund, Sadie. Yes, I’m an animal lover! Without the unconditional love and quirky antics of our pets, both my husband and I would have sunk into despair and depression.

Times are tough, but between the pets, the beads, and some dear friends, we’ll get by.