I first read the sequel "With Love from Karen" when I was in high school (100 years ago, approximately); my grandma had given me a box of old paperbacks, and that was among them. I enjoyed it and re-read it....quite frankly, this family was more wholesome than the Brady Bunch! But I found that comforting somehow, and subsequently read "Karen". Since then, I've re-read both books countless times.

A separate online group has made Karen and her family something of a detective mission, and the following facts have been unearthed:

Karen is alive and well, and working for a priest at a Catholic retreat not far from Sursum Corda.

Big Marie and Jimmy have, unfortunately, passed away (both in the 1990s).

Gloria just recently died (December 2001), and was still married to Russ. Oddly enough, her obituary mentioned two sons, but not the two daughters described in "With Love from Karen."

Little Marie has been divorced and apparently remarried.

Kristin has also grown up and gotten married. She was forced to sell Sursum Corda due to tax considerations.

This is a wonderful book for readers of all ages. I first read this book when I found it on the booshelf of a house we were renting for the summer. It is a sweet story and as you read it you will fall in love with Karen and all the Killileas. It is amazing as you look at the time that Big Marie and Jimmy put into helping Karen become self-sufficient. The story of Karen's birht is amazing also. KAren was born at 6 months 2 days weighing 1 lb. 12 oz. She spent the first 8 months of her life in the hospital, she was unable to gian sufficient weight because of an esaphagus problem. Weighing barely 8 lbs. The doctors risked everything and preformed surgery, completely fixing the problem. THen two days later Karene becomes so sick with the flu that she is put on critical. Miraculously a risky blood transfusion saved her again. Everyone should read this classic story of the Killilea family.

I too, like the other reviewers read this book and With Love from Karen as a child thirty years ago. I have since reread it countless times and it never fails to inspire and move me. I cannot wait for my children to be old enough to read it as well. Isn't it such a moving tribute to the Killilea family that so many people so many years from its first publication are still so touched by this story. Wouldn't it be great for the family to be able to continue this chapter for us. I truly hope that they are happy and healthy. I just wish I knew what happened to them. I contacted United Cerebal Palsy and no one has heard of Marie or Karen which I think is a disgrace since they blazed the trail for education and support for so many families.