Our Story
The story of a life-saving rescue that led to the creation of Hopeful Heights and how one child’s battle with cancer led into the organization’s expansion to serving childhood cancer families.
In April 2019, a hiking trip in the San Bernardino Mountains took an unexpected turn when my son went missing.
For five days, volunteer search and rescue teams worked tirelessly to bring him home. Many of these individuals were volunteers, giving their time, energy, and resources to help someone they had never met.
That experience left a lasting impact and revealed the incredible selflessness behind every rescue mission.
A Rescue That Changed Everything
In the aftermath of the rescue, Karen felt a deep calling to share what had happened. Not just the fear and uncertainty, but the hope, faith, and overwhelming generosity shown by the search and rescue teams.
She wrote a book to tell both sides of the story: a son’s fight to survive and a mother’s journey of trusting through the unknown.
That story became a way to honor the people who made the rescue possible and to ensure their impact would not be forgotten.
A Story That Had to Be Told
Through it all, one thing remained constant — a love for the outdoors.
That love led to building a home near Yosemite National Park, a place that would become more than just a retreat.
A Return to the Mountains
Years earlier, the family walked through the reality of childhood cancer with her daughter, Tara.
Tara’s life was marked by courage, compassion, and a deep care for others — even in the midst of treatment. The way she showed up for those around her continues to shape this mission today.
A Life That Shaped the Heart
What started as personal experiences became a purpose.
Hopeful Heights was created to:
Support volunteer search and rescue teams
Serve families facing childhood cancer
A Mission Comes to Life
Rooted in Compassion. Driven by Impact.
Rooted in Compassion. Driven by Impact.
Hopeful Heights continues to carry both stories forward by:
Funding equipment, training, and resources for search and rescue teams
Providing cost-free stays for families facing childhood cancer
Every part of Hopeful Heights exists to support those who show up in life’s hardest moments and the families walking through them.