Sometimes, the connections we make in life feel like more than coincidence. They feel like they were meant to happen. Our connection with Joe Flamini is one of those moments, and we are honored that our paths have crossed.

After doing a great deal of research, I came across a GoFundMe for a Connecticut man who had recently been diagnosed with Glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive form of brain cancer. I tried reaching out to the person who had organized the fundraiser but didn’t hear back. Rather than give up, I kept searching. That’s when I found Joe’s Facebook page and discovered we had a mutual friend. But not just any friend—it was Jeff, a member of the band Shot Down, a band I absolutely adore!

What made this connection even more special? Shot Down has generously donated their time and talent to perform at every KARE FEST fundraiser since we began in 2021! Once again, the kindness and connections that surround KARE were bringing us to someone who needed a helping hand.

I reached out to Jeff, who contacted Joe. Because the location of Joe’s tumor and the surgery have affected his vision and speech, Joe connected us with Brian, his dear friend who has been helping him navigate this incredibly difficult journey. I then reached out to Brian, and from there, the pieces fell into place.

Meet Joe Flamini, affectionately known as “Karma Joe”—a man whose heart, generosity, and love for people have left a lasting impression on so many.

Joe is one of those rare people who seems to know everyone, and chances are, at some point, your path has crossed his. Whether through his work with the Connecticut Department of Justice or his more recent passion for owning a restaurant and food trucks, Joe has built connections and friendships wherever life has taken him. He is transparent, generous, big-hearted, and always ready to lift others up. His love for people is simply part of who he is.

Joe is also incredibly proud of his Italian heritage and believes there is something special about bringing people together over a home-cooked meal. For him, food is about so much more than what is on the plate—it is about family, friendship, laughter, and the memories created around the table. When he isn’t working, Joe enjoys spending time with friends, sipping premium tequila, skiing, and traveling the world. But above all, one of the things Joe loves most is talking about his daughter, Kendyll, the light of his life and a source of immeasurable love and pride.

In February of this year, following some initial medical concerns, Joe received the devastating diagnosis of Glioblastoma. In an instant, life as he knew it changed. Yet, true to his nature, Joe has continued to focus on what matters most: living with purpose, cherishing the people he loves, and holding close the relationships that make life meaningful.

Joe recently underwent brain surgery with the same surgeon who operated on my brother, Paul, and has since endured several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. The physical challenges of this disease and its treatment have affected his vision, speech, and ability to work. For someone who has spent so much of his life working, connecting with others, and bringing people together, these changes have been especially difficult.

Sadly, Joe received another heartbreaking blow following his most recent MRI on October 6. The scans revealed two new tumors. His medical team is now exploring additional treatment options and determining the best path forward. As Joe and his loved ones face the uncertainty of what comes next, the emotional and physical toll of this disease is compounded by mounting medical bills and financial worries.

No family should have to carry the weight of a Glioblastoma diagnosis alone. The fear, uncertainty, exhausting treatments, and financial strain can be overwhelming. And yet, even in the face of so much adversity, Joe remains someone whose life has been defined by the connections he makes and the love he gives to others.

The Paul Dostie KARE Foundation is deeply honored to have connected with Joe and to provide financial support during this incredibly difficult chapter of his life. It is our hope that this assistance will ease some of the financial burden so Joe can focus on his health, his daughter Kendyll, his sister, and the people who love him and are walking beside him through this fight.

My brother, Paul, lost his life to Glioblastoma in 2021. We created KARE in his honor to continue spreading the kindness he shared so freely throughout his life. Every time we connect with another person facing this horrible disease, we are reminded why we do what we do. We cannot take away the diagnosis, erase the uncertainty, or promise what tomorrow will bring. But we can offer support, compassion, prayers, and the reassurance that you are not alone in this fight.

Joe, we hope you feel the love and support surrounding you. May you find strength in the people who stand beside you, comfort in the love of your family, and hope as your medical team explores the next steps in your treatment. We are praying for answers, for promising treatment options, and for precious time filled with love, laughter, and memories with Kendyll and those closest to you.

Keep fighting, Joe! Keep that incredible spirit alive! You have spent so much of your life lifting others up, bringing people together, and spreading kindness. Now, it is our turn to stand beside you.

The KARE family is in your corner, Joe. We are sending you love, strength, prayers, and a heartfelt reminder that you do not have to walk this road alone.

YOU GOT THIS, JOE! ❤️🙏