"I'm not afraid to die, I'm just sad to die."
The words were spoken softly and gently by 48-year-old Karen Green-Elliott.
The mother of four (3 girls and a boy ages 24 to 6) has accepted she's on the clock.
"A few years ago when I was told I had 3 to 5 years, I accepted it," said Karen. "But after hearing weeks ago that I have less than a year makes it a little more difficult."
This is a story about a good woman who is in a bad situation.
Karen lives just outside Atlanta, and for years she's been a good servant.
She spent 10 years with the Gwinnett County Sheriff's office.
She's raised 4 good kids.
She's helped good people with her servant's heart.
It was November of 2019 when Karen was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.
Her daughter was 10 months old when the news came.
Karen underwent a double mastectomy, chemo and radiation.
10 months later came the news that buckled her: She was diagnosed with colon cancer.
"They found the colon cancer when I was taking radiation for my breast cancer," said Karen.
"I had surgery to remove a part of my colon- I started chemo for colon cancer in September of 2020."
Less than a year later- in July of 2021- came more bad news.
The cancer had spread to Karen's liver and lungs.
More chemo arrived in March of 2022.
Karen fought on for 2 years- a Tace procedure delivered chemo directly to Karen's liver through a catheter.
Karen traveled to MD Anderson in Houston to get an opinion from a world reknown oncologist.
"You are terminal," she was told.
Karen went home to Atlanta where doctors at Emory University Hospital put Karen on the strongest chemo she could tolerate.
Months ago (September of 2025) Karen went back to MD Anderson as the cancer on her lungs and liver was growing.
Still another tumor was found in Karen's right lung- she also had a blood clot that doctors addressed.
In November came another scan- more cancer growth.
Just over a week ago came another doctor's visit.
"You have less than a year," Karen was told 6 days ago.
Karen is getting along well physically, but the emotional toll is wearing thin.
"It's difficult, as this will likely be my last Christmas, my last New Year's and my last birthday for my daughter," Karen told me.
"I've always believed that it's my job to take care of my children, and I'm very sad about not being here for them," Karen added.
"I won't be here to see them get married and I won't get to meet my grandchildren," whispered Karen.
"I'm not scared, just sad."
Karen Green-Elliott's advice to us?
"Be grateful for every day," she told me.
"Be kind and enjoy your loved ones."
Karen is remaining even-keeled about what she's facing.
"God has a plan, and it's up to Him to decide when I go," said Karen.
"Whether I pass in 6 months or 2 years or I find a miracle cure, I've accepted my fate," Karen added.
I gave my best to Karen, and the good servant tried her best to think positively in the midst of her sadness.
"My father died of brain cancer 10 years ago," said Karen softly.
"I look forward to being reunited with him."