For decades, fans heading into Busch Stadium have passed a familiar face on the corner of 8th and Walnut.

Karen Boscher, better known as “The Hot Dog Lady,” has spent more than 25 years serving up hot dogs, sharing laughs, and building relationships through her small business, K’s Unique Dogs.

“I started on a handshake — a policeman from Webster Groves lent me the money and the hot dog cart, and I started my business,” she said.

But now, the woman who has long shown up for the community needs help from it.

Boscher is dealing with a major setback after two separate crashes, one involving a semi and another with an uninsured driver, which left the van she relies on for her livelihood unusable.

That van isn’t just transportation. It powers her business.

Without it, Boscher can’t run her private rides service, transport supplies, or fully operate her hot dog stand outside the stadium. It’s also made it more difficult to care for her elderly mother, for whom she is the primary caregiver.

Despite the challenges, Boscher said her passion for the work and the people hasn’t changed.

“I love being the hot dog lady,” she said. “I have great friends down here… we’re here for the people.”

Boscher started her business 27 years ago with a handshake and a loaned hot dog cart, a leap of faith that turned into a staple of the game day experience in downtown St. Louis.

Over the years, she’s seen the highs of World Series runs and packed Opening Days. But recently, like many small business owners, she’s faced mounting challenges.

“I had two locations, and now I’m down to one,” she said. “I’ve lost quite a bit of money the past couple of years.”

Still, she plans to be out on Opening Day, even if it looks a little different.

Boscher said she won’t be working as much as she once did due to health challenges, leaning more on her team to keep things running.

Now, supporters have launched a fundraiser in hopes of helping her get back on her feet and back on the corner.

“The insurance payout is barely enough to replace it,” the fundraiser states. “Without a van, she cannot run her private rides business, transport supplies, or operate her hot dog cart… For 25 years, Karen has shown up for this community. Now it’s our turn to show up for her.”

As fans pour into Busch Stadium this season, many will once again look for the woman who has become part of their game day routine.

And Boscher said she’s not going anywhere and will lean on her team to get the season started.