Karen Teshima was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawai`i and married with 3 children. She was employed as a case manager coordinator for 15 years at a non-profit community health center, Bay Clinic, Inc.

In 2004 after a year of fatigue, unusual swelling and a growth on her arm she was diagnosed with primitive neuroectodermal (Ewing's) sarcoma with metastasis to the lung. Treatment included aggressive chemotherapy, radiation and lung surgery. In 2006, her treatment was successful, and she was told that she was in remission.

Through Imi Hale's patient navigation training program and Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi's Native Hawaiian Health Care System, she has been able to assist Native Hawaiians in the past year that have been dealing with or have just been diagnosed with cancer. Through support and collaboration, they will continue to improve the health and well being of the Native Hawaiian people.