THE SELAH KARKAN FAMILY

The Karkan family

On May 16, 2019, Selah was diagnosed with type B- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Thankfully, this type of cancer has a high success rate with a standard treatment plan, but pediatric cancer comes as a shock to any child and their family. During THON Weekend 2021, our Family Relations Chairs gathered everyone on Zoom with an announcement that brought tears to our eyes: we would be paired with a fifth family. After 2.5 years of treatment and hospital stays, Selah officially rang the bell on July 15, 2021, where we got to join her via Facebook Live to celebrate this special moment.

The Karkan family consists of parents, Dwight and Amber, and their three kids, Selah, Delaney, and Theo. The outpouring of love and support that the Karkans have reciprocated to Ohana has been so inspirational in motivating our efforts as we begin a new THON season. The joy and inspiration the Karkans have brought to us is indescribable. Selah and the Karkans have captured our hearts.

Over the last 3 years, our love for this family and their love for our organization has only grown. It has been an absolute joy to see Selah thrive around our organization. She is always talking about how much she loves her Ohana family and is always looking forward to the next time she gets to hangout with us before we even leave! The Karkan family have been such a blessing to get to know and join our Ohana family over these last 3 years and we are so lucky to have experienced Selah’s first moments with THON and the experience.