Saturday 7 August 2010

Our Thoughts with Karen.

Dear All.



We have just heard the terrible news from Afghanistan.unfortunately Karen was part of the group that were killed whilst delivering aid and medical care in Nuristan of Afghanistan. we are distressed and deeply disturb by sad news We thank everyone for thinking of Karen at this time.

Firuz Rahimi
Bridge Afghanistan.

153 comments:

Unknown said...

This is heart-wrenching news. My thoughts are with you all.

Henriette Coetzer

Anonymous said...

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon. May she rest in peace. She was a beautiful soul and had such a big heart. We will miss her in Kabul :(

Anonymous said...

we shall remember you all and your courageous work at our prayer meeting today.

Brimsby bible Assembly

Bill said...

We knew Karen as a student and a vibrant, loving caring person. Our thoughts to all who loved her.. she will be sadly missed. The tragedy that is Afghanistan is marked by a precious and special life.

Bill, Helen & Ruth Mills

Frederic Viennot said...

All my sympathy and caring thoughts for the families.

Anonymous said...

Sorry for the loss of all the wonderful souls who had it in their heart, to heal the people of Afghanistan.

Anonymous said...

“Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don't give up." Blessings to all of you. This story hit my heart this morning when I read it. Elaine

Anonymous said...

How tragic. My thoughts are with you all.

Alisha, Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Anonymous said...

Such an awful loss.
I am so sorry.

Anonymous said...

Those who are moved to serve the poorest in humanity, in spite of the incredible risks to their own lives, leave a rich legacy whose story should never be forgotten. What a mindless tragedy and terrible loss to those who have and would have continued to have been served by these giving people.

Benjamin
NC and UK

REAL ESTATE INFO said...
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Anonymous said...

Praying for all the families who have been affected by this tragedy.

Sarah
Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Anonymous said...

This is a terrible tragic story. I am thinking of your team and organization today. I hope in time the horrible pain of loosing such a remarkable lady can be replaced with pride and inspiration to carry on what she supported. Such a senseless action must make you question your purpose but please keep going you provide so much and work towards an admirable goal.
much love

Adam said...

Rest in peace

Adam, USA

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about the tragedy.
Stay strong.

Chris in Cincinnati

DeZemBer said...

If everyone is half as selfless as Karen, this World will live in Peace. To the Americans, British, Iraqis, Afghans, to HUMAN, to MANKIND... When are we going to feel this pain.

Anonymous said...

It is so sad that someone who gave up so much to help others should lose their life in such a horrible way. What are these people thinking who commit these crimes, how do they think this will help them or their country.

Ben, UK

Anonymous said...

Such a terrible tragedy.

My heart is with all their families.

L, Los Angeles, CA

Bridge Afghanistan said...

To Bridge Afghanistan, Karen's family and friends - The world has lost a true humanitarian with Karen's death. Her spirit will live on with us as we were lucky enough to know her. I implore everyone to carry forward her tremendous legacy of love, ambition and selflessness.

Dearest Karen - rest in peace my gorgeous friend and mentor.

love,
Amanda

Eric Rutgrink said...

What an example of selfless love - may we be inspired to live likewise whereever we find ourselves. My prayers are with you for grace and peace through this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

What a tragedy. My prayers are with them. God Bless...

Unknown said...
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Anonymous said...

I am very very sorry for all of our loss and for the families of Karen and her colleagues.

Anonymous said...

Dear Karen, you were disapppointed with the career of plastic surgery, that couldn't recognise you for the jewel you were.
Had you returned, they would not recognise you for your great virtues, because medicine the career falls so far of medicine the calling.

How you rose above disappointment though, and did far more in your short sweet life, and really you have given up everything for Gods love.
You had a love and you wanted children, I remember clearly that said the 4 days before you went. May your children be the compassion and humanity that took you to your day with destiny, and may they live on in the inspiration your example gives others. All of those who loved this girl, should band together and make a charity in her name, to keep the spirit of courage, adventure and sincere humanity alive. The Talibans of this work cannot win, their darkness must be vanquished.
God bless you! You are elsewhere but you are more radiant and more beautiful.

God give your family the strength to bear these dark days.Your goodness is radiant and lights up the hearts of your friends, even in this darkness, your humanity is a lantern that leads the way. Be brave all, and commit your lives too to the true path, which is love above all else.
DD

Anonymous said...

This is just yet one more example of what the innocent in Afghanistan and Iraq face daily. If we do not provide medical aid along with military protection who will? War is bad. Living under oppression and the fear that you, your children and all of the innocent are at risk of being murdered is unacceptable. We freed Europe from tyranny. This is no different. God bless Karen and her colleagues for their sacrifice. People like them are far and few between.

Anonymous said...

God Bless you Dr. Woo and your fallen colleagues. The gift of life your team passed on will touch countless future lives of the downtrodden and forgotten. This legacy reflects the richness of your spirit. You are in our prayers.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Quotes from Rumi of Balkh,

'Everyone is so afraid of death, but the real sufis just laugh: nothing tyrannizes their hearts. What strikes the oyster shell does not damage the pearl. '

'Don't grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.'

'Let the beauty we love be what we do.'

'Most people guard against going into the fire, and so end up in it.'

'My friend, the sufi is the friend of the present moment. To say tomorrow is not our way.'

'Christian, Jew, Muslim, shaman, Zoroastrian, stone, ground, mountain, river, each has a secret way of being with the mystery, unique and not to be judged.'

'In truth everything and everyone
Is a shadow of the Beloved,
And our seeking is His seeking
And our words are His words...
We search for Him here and there,
while looking right at Him.
Sitting by His side, we ask:
'O Beloved, where is the Beloved?'

'No mirror ever became iron again; No bread ever became wheat; No ripened grape ever became sour fruit. Mature yourself and be secure from a change for the worse. Become the light.'

The light of your humanity will guide others. You have given up the temporal world for the eternal. You did not hold on for the false trinkets this 'life' offers but held out for the true prize.
In death you are more alive than ever. Smile down on us Karen who must carry on through the darkness of this life. It is we who feel lonely.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Please do not desecrate this place with unkind words. The truth is not for anyones knowing, if you point the finger then four point back at you you. It is not a youtube site but a palce for friends and colleagues to reflect on a great person. She was my colleague and a magnificent soul with so much humanity. Your words are ill-judged.
Please do not defile this place with religious or racial ill-will. It is not necessary, and it is not your place to do so.
She helped Muslims in terrible poverty, and for that we can all give thanks. It is the authorities who work there whose motives might rightly be questioned, so too their judgement, but this is not the place. Do not hurt aching hearts here please.

DD

Anonymous said...

I agree, DD.

Though I am conflicted over many things with regard to Afghanistan, the courage and compassion of Dr. Woo and her colleagues is unimpeachable.

Please refrain from hateful and insensitive comments here.

Greg
Austin, TX

Nick said...

A tragic and awful situation but there is no question that the vast majority of people who hear Karen's story will be moved by her selfless dedication and incredible courage, and inspired to continue with similar noble deeds that honour her memory and make the world a better place. The thoughts of people the world over are with her family, friends and colleagues.

Anonymous said...

A life worth living is a life worth dying for. My heart goes out to those who were killed in such a senseless & tragic manner. Their families should be proud and I pray they can find peace in their hearts amid such sadness. BB

Anonymous said...

Rest In Peace. We will remember.

Anthony, Manchester.

Anonymous said...

What a tragic story, my heart goes out to all of their families, the only thing the Taliban proved with this act is their ignorance, nothing else.

Stephen Connolly said...

I did not know Karen, nor was I aware of why she was doing until her death was reported on this evening's news. However, I felt it was important to say something to commemorate the life of someone who was clearly a remarkable human being. The deaths of Karen and her colleagues is not only a blow to their families and friends, but many Afghans will never receive the help they need because of evil men and an act of barbarism.

The world is without a doubt, a lesser, poorer place now that Karen has been lost. I wish I could have known Karen-I think I would be a better person had we met.

God bless you and keep you Karen and may you rest in peace.

wendy said...

They say only the good die young. You must have been a wonderful giving person, and did not deserve this.
I hope your family will be able to reconcile themselves with this.
My thoughts are with you all at this time.
Wendy

Anonymous said...

I've just spent the last hour reading Karen's blogs, looking at her pages. She seemed so vivacious and full of spirit and really down to earth. They might have extinguished her body, but not her light. I didn't know her, but I wont forget her. Condolences and I pray the peace of God, to her family over this great loss.

Louise said...

The death of someone so good can only spell the end of the bad, the ignorant and unjust; a thousand people will step into her shoes to fight against ignorance. On her blog she spoke about her discomfort at the inequalities in Kabul;and Dubai - 'There are some sick things going on here, differentiation based on nationality, the passport you hold; an indicator of your worth. Like everywhere in the world money talks and 1st world status confers all sorts of privileges upon a person. I think about Mahatma Gandhi's protest against 1st 2nd and 3rd class status based on ethnicity, sadly it exists here in tangible form.' That the 'guards ate their leftovers' that people had advantages because of their passports and lost their lives because they did not have one; that women and men were so unsure about themselves, their bodies, their ability to speak because of the ignorance still in their cultures and therefore they judged women expats as a 'third race'. It is these kinds of ignorance and injustice that have to be left behind. Everyone should be cherished. Her blog is a great testament to her character, I hope it can be preserved perhaps to raise money for similar projects, we need to go right back to those valleys to continue her work. Not stop from fear. She said 'Love is dangerous but where angels dare to tread I will go too, where angels fear to tread I will go there anyway' and when in the UK she said 'I listen to the sounds of the street, cars going by on tarmacked roads and school kids talking and laughing. These children are free to speak, to walk and it is such a basic freedom, one that we may take for granted but it is missing elsewhere in the world, pressure pushes out freedom to be. England; how lucky we are.' 'Until a person has learned how to have love for an animal, their human soul will remain unawakened.' and 'So I reviewed my time in Dubai with mixed feelings, there's no getting away from the mix, no matter where you go there will be beautiful elements and terrible suffering. Dubai has the patina of busy commercial enterprise, the streets look clean and expats bustle about between offices. But this a place of segregation, of a class system based on your ethnicity and it is not good. It does not sit well with me from England where we have tried so hard to move forward from that. In this place people are not equal, those who have money can buy those who have not.' So these are the messages she left behind for the rest of us - and this one '‘Waterproof mascara is a must for any hostile environment.’ Karen Woo - sad to see you go

Louise said...
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Unknown said...

These were lives well-lived. They should never be forgotten.

Dondie said...

Dear Beautiful Karen,
We never met in this lifetime, but I am touched by your life and how you lived it, shining your radiance and love on those around you. You are an inspiration, a beautiful, radiant light in a world that so desperately needs more people like you. May all of those who love you find some peace in their aching hearts, knowing that you helped make the world a better place. Thank you for shining your light on all of us, beautiful angel.
With love,
Dondie

BonGob said...

My thoughts go to Karen's family and colleagues and friends, and to everyone else affected.

I'll miss you more than I can say.

Anonymous said...

So sorry that such a horrible senseless tragedy occurred after this team did such a difficult and selfless service in their labor of love. I hope your work will continue on, I hope all the families impacted by this will have comfort and peace. Nita

Anonymous said...

Rest in peace! Greater love hath no wo(man)than they they lay down their lives for others. Thank you for giving of yourself so selflessly to strangers. May the loved ones of Dr Woo and colleagues who lost their lives so needlessly receive the strength and comfort to go through these sad times. What a loss for them, the mothers and children of Afghanistan, and for humanity. May their deaths not be in vain. May the good work they have been doing continue!

belindaloo said...

Outrage, anger, but praying and asking God for fruit to be born from this seed fallen into the ground.

Anonymous said...

My condolences to Karen's parents and siblings. Such a wonderful soul.

May she rest in peace and may her legacy live on.

Jonathan said...

Very sorry to hear the extremely sad news of Karen. Thoughts are with family at this time. Jonathan

Anonymous said...

She was obviously an incredibly brave and courageous woman, I pray the cowards who ended her life will be judged in the end. Rest in peace, Dr. Woo.

Anonymous said...

This is just so sad. Rest in peace.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

As long as you are trying to fight a civilized war with relegious funatic"s you will lose.This is not ww 1 or two,We put our troop's on trail for taking picture's of irainium prisoner's,while they chop heads off on prime time t.v.Either change tactic's or get out, there is no third option.Throuh out time tactic's have changed with the enermy.ww.1 and 2 took less time than this,Take off the glove's and end it.Dont let these people have died in vain

Anonymous said...

It takes a lot of courage to do what Karen was doing. I did not know her but as a doctor I admire her and feel we and esp. the Afg. people have lost a special person. Imagine your child was going blind or dying af appendicites and Karen was there to save your child.

Ian said...

I will remember when we were young and used to dance together, with the whole world ahead of us.
Dance on sweet angel... you are great example to us all.
RIP

Unknown said...

So sad. What a loss. May her death not be in vain. May her lifework and her heart speak to others for a long time to come.

Robert Weller said...

I am scouring the Web to learn more about this incredible woman and the people with her. The horror, the horror.

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry for the families but so proud to be of the same species as these wonderful heroes.

akhanmd said...

It is so sad that such a precious life is lost; i did not know Dr Woo but I can sense the empathy , the spirit and drive she had. I hope the medical community , her colleauges band together and celebrate her life and achievements by promoting and encouraging such selfless devotion to health care.

Anonymous said...

Rest in peace, Karen

Thank you for everything you have contributed to our world.

Unknown said...

RIP Karen, Thank you for everything you have contributed to our world.

Anonymous said...

May they rest in peace and may their contributions to Afghanistan never be forgotten.

Anonymous said...

Please, if you send more medical personnel to Afghanistan, make armed guards part of the team, and *insist* that the doctors be protected *wherever* they go -- everywhere. The only way, in the near future, to prevent such a tragedy is to require armed protection of the doctors. It's a must.

Anonymous said...

RIP Karen, she was such a genorous & incredible woman.
My thoughts are with her close family & friends.

Anonymous said...

Many people around the world united in grief for the loss of such a young life. Karen now you know what Heaven is really like. God bless you.

Robert Weller said...

hope someone will remove the nasty comment above

Anonymous said...

You know nothing of Karen you spiteful creature. She was a conscientous hard working colleague in Chelmsford. She left and had great success in BUPA, then she became a real person in Afghan. You are mean and sick. She was innocent, very compassionate and committed to the welfare of the vulnerable. Many people who actually KNEW her, knows she really cared passionately. The Religious story is the propaganda of wicked men, and you should not believe everything you read.

Emma, Scotland said...

I just heard about this wonderful lady on the ITN news broadcast in the UK. I was deeply saddened by the story. What an inspiration Karen is to us all - to selflessly go to Afghanistan takes such bravery and courage that I believe only a special kind of person can do. Ms. Woo was special and should be remembered for her humility and kindness. I have also taken time to think of all the soldiers and aid-workers in Afghanistan...may this all end someday.

Rest In Peace, Karen

Anonymous said...

I didn't know you Karen, saw you interviewed on tv and admired you a lot. May you rest in peace you did a marvellous job over there with a lot of different people.
My heartful sympathy are with your family and friends at this time.
Rosemary Lawrence.

Anonymous said...

Karen's work will not be forgotten

HMS said...

This is such an awful loss. We are so sorry.

Our thoughts and prayers with families and loved ones of the 10 aid workers.

Robert with the Lins,
Seattle, Washington USA

Anonymous said...

OMG worked with Karen at St Marys Paddington!Karen sacrificed her life helping the disadvantaged. God will be waiting for you in heaven brave angel, your legacy will last forever. My thoughts to your parents who have lost their only child.RIP

Anonymous said...

The taliban are cowards. They kill and maim unarmed innocent civilians then they hide in caves and holes like the flea-bitten rats that they are. They run like cockroaches when real men like US soldiers and US marines march onto the battlefield. Until the taliban are exterminated and sent to the hell that surely awaits them - the carnage will continue. My thoughts and prayers are with the innocent men, women, and children that have been and will be murdered by the bloody, violent, and filthy hands of the vermin known as taliban.

Sean
Vancouver, WA

Leroy said...

I met Karen once and exchanged emails with her in her BUPA role. Then I read with awe in BMA News that she had swapped this role for one in Afghanistan. Today, thousands of miles away on holiday, I'm devastated hearing of her tragic transition. A star disappears from the firmament. Consolation is derived from observing that, clearly, she touched many hearts.

charles soper said...

These men and women have radiated poor, broken Afghanistan with their compassion, and show the light to the tortuous and painful road to a better future - even if the armies leave their selfless example will not.

Anonymous said...

As a Christian aid worker she should have been told of the risks of where she was going. What were they doing there...?

Anonymous said...

If you try to do charity work to show off how good you are then your help is not welcome.
But if you try to help others because they really need help then your work is accepted.
The best charity is the one that is done secretly.
Not by bragging yourself to the whole world that you are doing charity because when you die people will say he/she is good they are doing charity that was your reward. The reward for the secret charity is better because you are the only one you know it.

Anonymous said...

It is all so hard to understand. Good people doing good work. Nothing justifies the harm brought on to these people. I did not know Karen or any of her companions but feel a great loss.

Anonymous said...

My heart is broken. I will remember you and what you did in that horrible place forever. RIP, Karen.

Seoul, Korea
Won

Unknown said...

It's been over twenty years since I last saw you but I still remember the twinkle in your eye and your zest for life. I loved hearing about what you were doing and admired your adventurous spirit and your compassion. Today is a sad day,RIP Em x

Anonymous said...

Thank you Karen, you were such a courageous woman. Living in a peaceful country, it is so hard to imagine the hostility in a warring country. You were a true doctor, what compassion and will you had that enabled you to abandon a bright and prestigious career for one where your own fate cannot be predicated. Suicide bombing, civilian perishing in country such as Afghanistan is almost daily news, that death simply ceased to be representations of the loss of vibrant, beautiful souls and merely numbers. I think that in a cynical world as we live in right now, your actions, vividly recorded in this wonderful blog that still talks to us is a reminder that there are people out there who cared about strangers and fate of a country half a world away. It's easy to say the words that we want to make a difference in the world, but Karen you did. Thank you for your inspiration and everything you've done. I will always remember you. May you rest in peace and my sincere condolences to the families.

LL
Canada

dana gornitzki said...

This is so heartbreaking. I met Karen on a short course at the Frontline Club three years ago. She was an inspiration and exuded such passion and talent. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones, and of all the others who lost their lives on this dedicated and risk-taking expedition. What a tragic loss.

Anonymous said...

I am only reading of Dr Karen Woo's work now and I am astounded and inspired by how brave, selfless, caring this woman was. I suppose that the first time a lot of people are learning about her is in such heartbreaking circumstances.

One thing seems to be sure: her spirit will continue to live on in the people she has helped and the people that she has inspired. Compassion, such as hers, reaches far and has an impact far into the future.

Anonymous said...

It is with sadness that I hear of Karen Woo's death-and those that were with her. All they were there for was to make life better for those that needed it.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

I have only come across Dr Karen Woo's work and I dont understand why this outrageous crime could have happened at all. I spent almost 7 months in province Badashan 3 yers ago as a worker having participated in several humanitarian projects for ordinery afghans, that is why I feel so great sorrow of Karen, although I have never met her. But this frightful act is inexusable and those who committed this incest should be sent into eternal hell, they (murders) had not been human being, but only bastards. I pray to God for her soul, and at the same time I wish the worst possible deaths for the bastards having been accounted for this awful and needless homicide. I must express my condolence to Karen´s family.

Anonymous said...

Karen was such a beautiful human being - inside and out. Anyone whom knew her would feel privelidged to have been a part of her life. She touched all of us in a small or big way and will forever be in our hearts. What a tragedy my darling - RIP and feel proud of what you achieved in your short life.

Janette Shephard aka Dutton

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Joshua.. You've been watching too many James Bond movies.

A woman sadly lost her life... so keep your mouth closed. Even if you were right.. perhaps you should keep your thoughts to yourself.. just in case.

Anonymous said...

Nobody is threatening you. But perhaps your comments may hurt others feelings... is it not important to you not to hurt others feelings?

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Dr. Woo, for your selfless contribution to medical care - a human right - for all.

Anonymous said...

please Joshua go back at playing with your computer in your parent basement you creep! perhap mommy and daddy did not give enough attention when you where young. you can alway seek help if you feel lonely ...or go in a dating site you fucktard or jerk off to some porno since no one would want to be with you. good night and rip Karen <3

Anonymous said...

from joshua website:

"Just the ramblings of a hopeless geek with too much time on his hands and too little social interaction. And tech stuff!"

ha that say ALOT about you hehehe! probably the same creep that think Obama was not born in the USA and think he is a spy taliban LOL

Anonymous said...

btw she has over 600 friend in facebook, most of them have picture with her, they are real people, dont be an idiot and go check it out you creep ass fucktard.

sorry to be direspecfull, but someone has died, keep your ignorant stupid comment to yourself.

karen you will be greatly missed.

Anonymous said...

Dr. Karen Woo, I finally know what beauty means and what an angel is. You are indeed a beautiful angel. Hope to find another beautiful angel on earth again. RIP

kenkum said...

didn't know about karen until i just heard about her on the news. how sad. what she did in afghanistan was definitely invaluable. rip karen!

Unknown said...

To God we are from to Him we all shall return. Sorry for the family of Karen and the others who lost their lives and sorry for humanity and the wrath we will get due to our leaving the true teachings of Allah. Sad. Very Sad. Take hope in the fact that many have lost their lives for good and they will not go unrewarded. So sorry....

Jamie said...

It saddens me that violent people will take the life of others whose mission is to heal and help.

Anonymous said...

If she had been an espionage agent, I hope she liquidated lots of murderous islamists.

Robert Weller said...

how fragile we are. nothing comes from violence and nothing ever will.

Lieut. Col. Arnold Strong said...

So very sorry for the loss of Dr. Woo. As a fellow servant of the mission in Afghanistan, I am filled with remorse at her loss to these cowards. Her spirit and the spirits of her colleagues will live on. I wish you peace. - Arnold V. Strong, LTC, US Army

Anonymous said...

Rest in peace Dr. Karen Woo.

Timothy Lee said...

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose”. Jim Elliot

RIP Dr Woo.

Anonymous said...

My deepest sympathies to the families of the ones killed. My deepest wishes to humanity that we come to eradicate human violence in all forms.

Anonymous said...

I am truley sorry for your lots.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry this world has lost such a selfless person. I never met Dr. Woo, but somehow, I know I will never forget her.

Anonymous said...

Wow - what an amazing person Karen was, she inspires me to be more open and loving. My thoughts are with her family and friends, in this hard time.

Anonymous said...

I never knew this site existed, RIP Karen, my heart goes out to her family and community, i never knew you before today, now i know what an amazing person you are by your actions for creating "bridges", forever in heart and mind.

Anonymous said...

I am schoked and anger. My sincerely condolences to Karen's family and i am not able to forgive those who kill innocents. Those who kill without thinking but blind faith.

Anonymous said...

We must do better. To create a more humane and peaceful reality. This is the gift of Dr. Woo's life and work. My thoughts go out to all the unsung heroes of peace, tolerance, and healing in the world.

Sheila said...

How very sad.
My thoughts are with the family and friends of Dr. Karen Woo.

Anonymous said...

Words can not explain how big of a loss this is for not only Afghanistan but the world as a whole. May they all rest in peace.

Louis said...

You are were Saint, consecrating your life to the service of humanity.
Your steps crossed the path of evil and
you didn't stand a chance!
We should have taken better care of you and protected you.
We are all responsible!
Rest in Peace beautiful child, a new star is shining in the night.

Anonymous said...

What a tragic end to such a wonderful and gifted individual, who chose to give up the comforts of home, to help those in need far away. Whether Taliban or robbery, how could anyone commit such an act on this selfless group, whose only concerns were the welfare and well-being of the local community.

Kerr, Edinburgh

Anonymous said...

I knew Karen. She was neither a Christian nor a spy. She was a true free spirit whose many careers and lust for life marked her out as an extra-ordinary individual. She was unlucky enough to meet a bunch of cowardly, thieving, murderers whilst she was doing something truly worthwhile. There are clearly some sickos who are posting here who are no better than those nobodies who killed her.

Anonymous said...

Karen you are not someone simply eulogised now you are gone. All the comments above from those who met you, describe the girl we all knew and it is how you were described in your absence or to those about to meet you or by those recalling you. These were the whispers behind your back, and this is how you will be remembered. You made me feel revitalised and optimistic about the world, encouraged and emboldened. Thank you for leaving that contagious spirit behind. I think we all have that little bit of you left in us and it is to that which I will cling in your memory. You lived several life times in a fraction. Thank you, you touched us all. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Paddy and your family. Jamie.

Anonymous said...

When you hear what you don't like you become abusive..you are no different than Taliban..If you have a gun you would have killed me because I speak my mind. You don't have to agree with me I don't have to agree with you or the rest either.

Anonymous said...

Such a tragedy. May their souls rest in peace.

Unknown said...

I saw Dr. Karen at The Princess Grace Hospital Urgent Care Centre in London this past June. I was deeply impressed by her calm, sweet and kind manner. Despite our brief interaction I have remembered her often. Learning about her death is very upsetting.

Anonymous said...

Tragic. Knowing the risks going where they were going was more of tempting fate.

Anonymous said...

This is a tragedy. I am so sorry.

Andrew said...

It is a great shame that individuals use this blog to make offensive comments.

My heart goes out to the family and freinds of Karen and the other victims. She was doing her best to help people who depserately need help becuase it is not provided by their government or their fellow muslims.

Karen and her colleagues were caring people unlike John and other posters above who are beneath contempt.

Rest in peace Karen, I'm sure others will follow in your footsteps and bravely continue your work. Good always triumphs over evil and always will.

Anonymous said...

Yeah God always triumph over the evil..NATO and their helpers are the evil.

Andrew said...

It easy to be brave posting as anonymous on an internet blog, but you are a coward just like these evil murderers. These people were not helping NATO they were helping Afghan muslims in desperate need of their help. They did so because they were caring compassionate human beings. They were the good, the cowards who executed innocent, unarmed men and women in the name of Islam and those who support them are the evil. Even in death Karen and her colleagues are the moral victors. Others will continue their amazing work and one day those responsible will pay for their crime.

Stuey said...

God Bless, your work is an inspiration for us all.

Anonymous said...

Karen was so brave. Her death will not be in vain.

What kind of cowardly society are we living in that takes lives of innocent civilians as if they were meaningless (from both sides). ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

People need to communicate with words not guns. What use is having all these material assets if we do not have peace and love in this world? Put down the guns and rejoice a simpler and more harmonious life.

RIP Karen Woo - if only there were more of you out there.

Suzie

Dermot said...

From reading her blog it is clear that not only was Karen compassionate, caring, kind and brave she also had a great joie de vivre, a marvellous sense of fun, and was a sharp, witty observer of everything going on around her.

Bless her.

Anonymous said...

Andrew and Sean die in your heatred. I speak up my mind..Doesn't matter my anonymous or my name..I could be a CIA agent..I could be anything...You showed your true face when people don't agree with you you bomb them like you did in Hiroshima, Nagazaki, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.. Typical western ideology...Get real..No one want your hypocrite so called democracy, you can shove it up yours.....

Anonymous said...

I agree with you. Karen and her colleagues were brave and also righteous. They helped strangers in need of help. They were aware of the risks, but their western Judeo-Christian principles led them to take those risks. They were certainly more courageous and principled than I. The world would be a better place if the taliban (lack of capitalization intended) had their courage and conviction. But they don’t. They hide in holes in the ground, and they hide alongside innocents in domiciles and markets while carrying out their carnage. They inflict death and destruction on innocent Muslims because of this cowardice. They make sure western forces target their wives and children, and they are happy to blow up their wives and children when they carry out their cowardly suicide missions. Unfortunately they live by the sword and must also die by the sword yielded by Western forces who are superior to them in courage, conviction, and moral obligation. Until they are exterminated we will not be able to rejoice in harmony. Until then – RIP Karen, colleagues, and the other innocents who have died and will die at the hands of the insects known as taliban.

Sean,
Vancouver, WA

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Andrew said...

I don't hate you, I pity you. you have no understanding of human kindness and compassion. You are clearly the one full of hatred and cowardice. This is not the place for your vile comments. The chasm between Karen and her colleagues and people like you is too far to ever be bridged, they were on extreme end of good while you and those who killed them are on the opposite extreme of evil. I shan't respond to any more of your abusive posts as you are not worth the time or effort. To Karen's friends and family, you know there are many more people who share your distress and sorry than there are those like anonymous. Our thoughts are with you, continue your brave work in her memory.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Heleen (Rijswijk-NL) said...

I just read this awful news on my iPhone Sun newspaper app and was sad to read the story. First thing that came in my mind was WHY ??
I did not know anyone who got killed but my thoughts and prayers are with those whose loved ones were killed and will be missed forever and ever.

Anonymous said...

To all of those people posting negative comments: how in any way has Karen caused any of the problems in your country? She has done nothing. You can not justify the killing of innocent people by other people's actions in a sick, twisted variation of an eye for an eye.

My thoughts are with Karen and her family. You did a wonderful job. May you rest in peace.

Andrew said...

Sean

I have come to the conclusion it is better to ignore it. It is just trying to divert attention away from the fitting tributes to Karen and the other victims of this cowardly murder. No decent human being will take any notice of it's rants.

Andrew
Ipswich
United Kingdom

Anonymous said...

Karen was above all a humanist moved by people's suffering in Afghanistan and had the courage to leave a well paying job to work among them and help. I mourn her loss.

Shah, Chicago,IL

Anonymous said...

Andrew,

You're right. Karen and colleagues are what this is about. I mourn their loss. The world is worse for their loss. I got carried away - emotions and all. I'll shut up now. Thanks for the advice.

Sean,

Vancouver, WA

Anonymous said...

I mourn the loss of thousands of Afghani children, women(pregnant women), elderly people and even animals killed by NATO killers. Those thousands of innocent people were ignored by the media and attention was diverted from what really happened (wikileaks).

lyse said...

..a sad farewell to a wonderful woman..graceful dancer, dedicated doctor, impressive organiser, compassionate being..Karen I was taken by your compassion from the moment we met..how i wish this hadn't happened to someone as good as you..

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Joshua needs a lobotomy...or maybe he already had one.

May the Lord bless Dr. Woo's family and friends with comfort in knowing they will see her again. What a tragic loss.

Anonymous said...

'Jesus replied, " The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me."

Anonymous said...

Rest in peace, Karen, and the rest of your colleagues. I did not know her, but she was clearly a loving woman devoted to humanitarian efforts. This shouldn't be about whether or not the war is justified. This shouldn't be about conspiracy theories. This certainly shouldn't be about hate of any kind. Never mind religion and all the rest of it. This page is about a loving tribute to a kind, dedicated and beautiful woman, who was killed before her time while trying to make a positive difference. My thoughts go out to the friends and family of all those whose lives were taken in this tragedy.

Anonymous said...

"Forget safety.
Live where you fear to live.
Destroy your reputation.
Be notorious."
— Mawlana Jalal-al-Din Rumi



"Let yourself be drawn by the stronger pull of what you truly love."
— Mawlana Jalal-al-Din Rumi

"Start a huge, foolish project, like Noah…it makes absolutely no difference what people think of you."
— Mawlana Jalal-al-Din Rumi


"An eye is meant to see things.
The soul is here for its own joy.
A head has one use: For loving a true love.
Feet: To chase after.
Love is for vanishing into the sky. The mind,
for learning what men have done and tried to do.

Mysteries are not to be solved: The eye goes blind
when it only wants to see why.

A lover is always accused of something.
But when he finds his love, whatever was lost
in the looking comes back completely changed."
— Mawlana Jalal-al-Din Rumi (Night and Sleep)

asadullah shishani

Anonymous said...

"This being human is a guest house. Every morning is a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor...Welcome and entertain them all. Treat each guest honorably. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond."
— Mawlana Jalal-al-Din Rumi

Anonymous said...

Is anyone aware of a memorial yet established for Karen or how to send condolences to her family? Please advise. Thank you.

Sincerely, James Palmer (jpmondex@hotmail.com)

Anonymous said...

"In the slaughterhouse of love, they kill only the best, none of the weak or deformed. Don't run away from this dying. Whoever's not killed for love is dead meat."
— Mawlana Jalal-al-Din Rumi

"Have you ever gotten breathless before from a beautiful face,
for i see you there,
my dear."

"Into this new love, die
your way begins
on the other side
become the sky
take an axe to the prison wall,
escape
walk out like someone
suddenly born into color
do it now"

Daemon Dewing said...

Karen wanted to be a plastic surgeon and was considering her options after finishing in Afghan and getting married this year. She was one of the ' lost tribe ' of doctors who by bad luck, were pushed out of the way by less experienced juniors in the MTAS fiasco of modernising training. The result was that many surgeons gave up on promising careers, changed specialties or tried to make a difference overseas.

THERE WILL BE A KAREN WOO FELLOWSHIP ONE DAY which will be organised by Surgical colleagues in the UK to celebrate her life. It is a matter of discussing with her family what they feel would be appropriate at the right time.

The sponsorship of Afghan Surgeons to learn plastic reconstructive surgery will be the most fitting epithet I can think of.
Or the funds could be raised for a surgical school in Kabul. Surgery was something she could have gone much further in, had life given her more time.

She said three days before she left, that God had sent several angels to watch over her.
You know who you are, and what is to be done! and there are many more besides judging from these comments.
Let us honour her dear life with the spirit of kindness and adventure she lived with.

daemon_dewing@yahoo.com

Robert Weller said...

May I suggest that if there is no one available to moderate this discuss that it be shut down to stop the insults and lies leveled by some.

angvou said...

How tragic. Dr Woo and the rest of the aid workers are truly rare and heroic spirits.

Anonymous said...

This needs to be removed, the comment at 15.43 is disgusting.

Anonymous said...

A angle in the blue sky...

Sherrie said...

There can be no justification whatsoever for crimes against humanity. Hatred is the root of all evil and has absolutely no place in this world.

To all the victims of this cold-blooded murder, may you rest in peace. My deepest sympathy to the families and friends they left behind, may you find peace and comfort during this time of grief.

angvou said...

Please shut down the comments as pathetic and damaged minds have overrun it. You cant even let solemn words and sentiment alone— you hijack even those you miserable human scraps.