In June 1961, Karen was diagnosed with a malignant tumor of the middle part of her brain stem; X-ray treatment slowed its growth, but her health deteriorated to the point where she could no longer walk or talk.
Bulan Juni 1961, Karen didiagnosis mengidap tumor ganas di bagian tengah barang otaknya; perawatan sinar-X memperlambat pertumbuhannya, tetapi kesehatannya memburuk sampai titik ketika ia tidak mampu lagi berjalan atau berbicara.