Columbine Survivor Karissa Rund Passes Away After Courageous Battle with Cancer
Karissa Rund, a woman whose life was marked by both profound tragedy and unwavering resilience, has passed away at the age of 40, following a decade-long battle with colorectal cancer. Rund, a survivor of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting, was known for her bravery, dedication, and deep faith. She succumbed to her illness on March 3, leaving behind a legacy of service, hope, and inspiration.
News of Rund’s passing was shared through a GoFundMe page established to support her husband, Doug Rund, and in her published obituary. The GoFundMe statement painted a portrait of a woman who defied the odds and dedicated her life to uplifting others, despite facing unimaginable hardships. "Karissa was a Columbine shooting survivor, war widow, battled stage 4 cancer for 10 years, and the biggest encourager most of us have ever known," the statement read. "Her mission of service to people, proclaiming the hope of God despite pain and suffering, and being a light despite darkness – this legacy has changed her corner of the world. Her presence in this world was a gift."
Doug Rund, Karissa’s husband, was lauded for his unwavering support and selfless care during her illness. "Doug, day-in and day-out, selflessly and unwaveringly served Karissa in her sickness," the GoFundMe statement highlighted. "He tenderly and attentively cared for her every need, noticing the little details, knowing just how she wanted/liked things."
Karissa Rund’s life story is one of extraordinary challenges overcome with grace and determination. Her personal website revealed a life touched by grief and loss from a young age. She shared that she was only 11 years old when her mother passed away from breast cancer. Just three years later, she survived the horrific Columbine High School shooting, an event that forever shaped her perspective.
Tragedy struck again when Karissa was 20 years old. Her high school sweetheart and first husband, Greg Rund, was killed in action while serving in Iraq. He died in Fallujah from small arms fire, according to media reports, leaving Karissa a war widow at a young age.
Despite these immense losses, Karissa found love again with Doug Rund, Greg’s brother. However, her challenges were far from over. At the age of 31, she received a diagnosis of Stage IV colon cancer, a diagnosis that would define the next decade of her life.
On her website, Karissa reflected on the physical and emotional toll of her illness. "I’ve endured nine surgeries, an incalculable amount of suffering and pain, as well as two years of chemo… and that part of my journey isn’t done," she wrote. Even in the face of such adversity, her words reflected a spirit of resilience and an unwavering determination to find meaning and purpose.
Beyond her personal struggles, Karissa Rund dedicated her life to serving others. Her obituary highlighted her "storied career in civil service." She worked as a speechwriter and public affairs specialist for prominent government agencies, including the Department of Energy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Department of Homeland Security. Her career demonstrated a commitment to public service and a desire to contribute to the well-being of her community and nation.
Forced to medically retire due to the demands of her illness, Karissa channeled her energy and passion into a new endeavor: a nonprofit ministry dedicated to aiding, inspiring, and supporting suffering individuals. This ministry became her driving force, allowing her to use her own experiences of pain and loss to connect with and uplift others facing similar challenges. Her obituary noted that her ministry touched countless lives across the country and remained a central focus until she was physically unable to continue.
Karissa Rund’s obituary paints a picture of a woman who embodied faith, friendship, and a zest for life. "Karissa was an abiding servant to God," it stated. "She was a force of friendship in this world, a lover of adventure, and a delighter in the victories of all those around her."
Her life, though marked by tragedy and hardship, serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure, to find purpose in suffering, and to radiate light even in the darkest of times. Karissa Rund’s legacy of service, hope, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who learn of her remarkable story. She leaves behind a profound impact on her community and a lasting example of courage and compassion. Her story is a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable adversity, it is possible to live a life filled with meaning, purpose, and a deep commitment to serving others.
