Karen Black Fans Raise Over $40,000 For Cancer Treatment

Karen Black fans have responded to news that the actress is currently battling cancer.

Black’s husband Stephen Eckelberry set up a GoFundMe account in order to help raise money for her treatment. Since insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, Eckelberry turned to the internet for support. The actress’ fans were quick to respond.

Around 24 hours after news of Karen Back’s struggle with cancer went viral on Facebook and Twitter, her fans have helped raise over $40,000 for her treatment. This number continues to grow at a steady pace.

Eckelberry responded to the contributions with the following message:

“Everybody thank you so much for the donations and kind thoughts. Karen and [I] are touched beyond belief. It’s so great to know she can make this trip. I promise to keep everybody updated. Any additional money that is raised beyond our goal will go towards my going with her.”

Karen Black’s current state of health has prevented her from receiving help in the United States. The actress was hoping to undergo treatment at a clinic in Europe. However, her insurance wouldn’t cover the cost of the trip.

Stephen soon turned to the crowdfunding scene to finance Black’s treatment.

“Your contribution will cover travel, living and treatment expenses for two months and will give Karen a chance,” he wrote. “Please help anyway you can, we humbly accept it.”

Eckelberry explained that his wife’s cancer treatment had drained the couple’s finances. Although Black starred in a number of films over the years, the money had simply run out.

The actress’ husband explained:

“She has a modest pension and medical insurance, but as anyone knows who has fought cancer, that is not enough. In the last two years we have used up all of our savings keeping Karen alive — traveling — treatments, getting people to help her. We have nothing left.”

The Five Easy Pieces star was originally diagnosed with cancer in 2010. Although she was given a clean bill of health in 2010, the cancer returned nearly a year later.

Karen Black’s fans have raised a total of $41,835 for her cancer treatment as of this writing. That number continues to grow minute by minute.

[Top Image via s_bukley / Shutterstock.com – Bottom Image via s_bukley / Shutterstock.com]