Karissa Rund, a survivor of the tragic Columbine High School shooting, passed away on March 3 after a courageous 10-year fight with stage 4 colon cancer.
At the age of 40, she was remembered as a “super-survivor” by her community, having lived through both the horrific shooting in 1999 and a relentless cancer battle.
Her passing has left the Columbine community heartbroken, as they come together to honor her incredible legacy.
Karissa’s Life Beyond the Tragedy
Karissa was one of the many victims who survived the brutal shooting when Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold opened fire inside the school’s cafeteria, leaving 12 students dead and injuring over 20 others.
Karissa’s resilience, however, extended far beyond surviving that horrific day.
After the tragedy, she continued to face personal challenges, including the loss of her first husband, Greg Rund, who was tragically killed in 2004 while serving in Iraq.
Her journey took a further unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with cancer just after she became engaged to Doug Rund, Greg’s brother.
Doug stood by her side through her most difficult years, supporting her through medical procedures and providing constant care as her health deteriorated.
Their bond was undeniable, and friends described Doug as the most selfless partner who remained devoted to Karissa even as she faced illness.
A Legacy of Service and Faith
Known for her kindness and strength, Karissa became an end-of-life doula, a profession where she helped others face their own final days with grace and support.
Despite battling cancer herself, she dedicated much of her time to helping others navigate their end-of-life journey.
Karissa’s friend, Sarah Beth Buck, shared the deep impact Karissa had on those around her.
Karissa’s mission was to provide hope and encouragement to others, despite her own suffering.
Karissa’s selfless nature was exemplified in the way Doug cared for her.
He never hesitated to be there for her, even taking on tasks like cooking, cleaning, and organizing their life together.
Sarah, who created a GoFundMe page to support Doug, highlighted the profound love they shared, noting that Doug was always there for Karissa, no matter the time or the challenge.
Karissa’s Final Days and Doug’s Concern
In her final days, Karissa expressed her concern for Doug’s well-being after she was gone.
According to Sarah, Karissa was most worried about whether people would rally around Doug in the wake of her passing.
“Doug was Karissa’s safe place,” Sarah wrote. “Her greatest concern was that of Doug.
Would he be taken care of?” Friends of the couple have rallied to assure Karissa that Doug will be supported during this difficult time.
As of Sunday afternoon, over $4,200 had been raised to help Doug with the emotional and financial burden of his loss.
The donation page not only supports Doug but also serves as a tribute to Karissa’s extraordinary life and the legacy she leaves behind.
A Life Well-Lived Beyond the Tragedy
Despite the tremendous hardships Karissa faced, she also built a remarkable career.
Before her cancer diagnosis, Karissa worked as a speechwriter and public affairs specialist for several federal agencies, including the Department of Energy and FEMA.
After being medically retired, she shifted her focus to non-profit work, founding a ministry to inspire and aid people suffering from illness.
Karissa’s commitment to helping others was unwavering, and she continued this mission even while battling cancer herself.
She often posted on social media, reminding people to live fully, especially after surviving the traumatic events of Columbine.
In 2019, she marked the 20th anniversary of the shooting, sharing a message about how precious life is and how every day should be cherished.
Another Tragic Loss for the Columbine Community
Karissa’s death follows the passing of another Columbine survivor, Anne Marie Hochhalter, who died on February 16 at the age of 43.
Anne Marie, who was paralyzed in the shooting, spent much of her life advocating for others who had suffered similar trauma.
Both women were pillars of strength in their community, and their stories of survival and resilience will continue to inspire generations.
As the Columbine community continues to mourn the loss of two of its brave survivors, Karissa’s legacy of hope, love, and service remains an enduring beacon of light for those who knew her.