Karah Kuhlman is not a name you know. You can’t follow her in any box scores, or see her in any highlight reels at the end of the evening. But, she is a hero. She is a superstar. She is stronger than any athlete you follow. And, there is a Robin to her Batman, it’s her 8 year old son, Finley. Sunday was Finley’s day to shine. He got to live the dream of every little kid in the St. Louis area and throw a pitch at Busch Stadium
A Three Year Battle
For the past three years Karah has been battling, going toe-to-toe with and never backing down to a rare brain tumor. A tumor typically found in children, and rarely in adults. The bright side is that the tumor is not growing. The issues she faces daily are from the treatment to keep the tumor at bay. The narcosis from the proton treatments has caused swelling and affects her every moment of every day. But, she stays positive and does everything she can to be the mom she wants to be.
“Karah’s courage and resilience continue to inspire us every day. She paints on a smile for her family and pushes through to the best of her ability each day.” Kamie, Karah’s mom
Generosity and Caring Bring the Day Together
Last October at the 22nd Annual Dan McLaughlin Charity Golf Tournament and Auction a gentleman by the name of Brad Hegemeyer won an auction item for a party suite for 30 people, and a chance to throw out a first pitch. He could have hosted a company outing, a family reunion, a party with his friends. But, instead he decided to pay it forward.
Mr. Hegemeyer took that win and gifted it to Karah, Finley, and their friends and family so they could have a day. A fun, unforgettable day to take their minds off of the battle, if only for a few hours. They could enjoy the ballpark, the roar of the crowds, and the fun of an afternoon in a suite. Even the strongest warriors need a rest.
“The golf tournament has provided a lot of great moments over the years. This is another example of the reach of kindness that people show. It’s incredible.” – Dan McLaughlin
A Surprise from Fredbird
Being the star of the day at school when you’re 8 is amazing. You walk taller, you smile wider, and you feel the love like never before. On Friday May 2, Finley received a visit at school from the one, and the only Fredbird! This is a HUGE deal when you’re a kid. HUGE.
The day was amazing and included hugs from the most beloved mascot in all of sports, and smiles for everyone involved. The best day a group of second graders could ever ask for!
A Pitch to Remember
In the week leading up to the game, Finley was beyond pumped. Who wouldn’t be? Take the field in baseball heaven and throw a pitch? Countless Cardinals fans have dreamed of that moment. Finley was going to live it.
“I’m going to be a baseball star!! I can’t wait for my friends to see me!” – Finley Kuhlman
The rain may have delayed the moment by a day, but it only added to the excitement. Before the second game of a double header Finley got to throw what the likes of Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, and Sonny Gray have thrown at Busch Stadium; a perfect strike.
The ability to step up, under pressure, and deliver while your family, and a few thousand strangers are watching, that’s impressive. But stepping up is what Finley does.
“To have an experience like this is once in a lifetime. It’s an experience that those involved will never forget. Through unimaginable circumstances folks show what the human spirit is all about. That makes me proud that we can come together and make this experience come together.” – Dan McLaughlin
On the ride home Finley was beaming. Who wouldn’t be? His Grandma Kamie asked him what the highlight of the day was? He said it was “making my mom so happy with my perfect pitch. Hearing the cheering from around the field when the catcher caught his ball. I rate this day a 10 out of 10!!”
Life at Home
This past weekend was a welcome respite for the entire family, but Karah’s day to day is still a struggle. Her family has rallied to her, her husband’s, and her children’s sides. It does take a village, and hers is full of amazing people.
“As I physically decline, my twins notice more…I just got a new electric wheelchair and one of my twins told me she didn’t want me to get a new chair, because that means I’m not getting better.” – Karah Kuhlman
Her mother, Kamie, has stepped up to help organize the children’s day to day with pick ups and drop offs, after school and weekend activities. She has become a de facto project manager for the family. Karah’s sister Kayla is also helping when and where she can, but it’s not easy. She says that everyone has to push through and show up more because Karah needs the help
Karah also said that Finley says he wished he could do more to help her, and she tells him she just wants him to keep being a kid. Two superstars holding each other up.
How You Can Make a Difference
Karah is surrounded by an amazing family and an amazing support system, and they all need help from this greater community we call the St. Louis area. They family launched a Go Fund Me campaign to aid in Karah’s care and you can do your part by donating here:
GoFUNDMe Link
In life, every little bit helps, and whether it’s $5, $500 or $5,000 this community can be a small part of Karah’s ever growing village. Help her to continue to be an amazing mother, and help her kids get to keep on being kids, and not have to grow up too fast.
– Will Saulsbery
Learn More about the Dan McLaughlin Charity Golf Tournament here, to see how you can help create an amazing story like this one for an amazing family.
