Karen Donaldson

Early life and education Donaldson, born to American parents, spent her early childhood in England, where her father was stationed as a member of the Air Force. At age six, Donaldson suffered an unknown illness that resulted in her becoming paraplegic. Following her illness, the family returned to the United States, where Donaldson was treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She began swimming as part of her treatment.

Donaldson's mother pushed for her to attend the same high school as her brothers, although she used a wheelchair.

She was inducted into the Wheelchair Sports Hall of Fame in 1982.

Personal life Donaldson met and married Jack Donaldson while in college. The two later divorced, and Donaldson moved to Washington in 1992 soon after. There, she worked in the Information Technology department at Boeing.

Donaldson died from pneumonia at age 58. Noted by her family for her "strong will", Donaldson lived independently until the end of her life.