Our next KARE Foundation recipient found us the same way so many families do—out of desperation, hope, and an urgent need to help someone they love. The person reached out after discovering KARE through our public Facebook page and visiting our website. She is the sister-in-law to her brother’s wife in Connecticut who was recently diagnosed with Glioblastoma. We are keeping the names out of the story since the family does want anonymity.

The sister was searching endlessly for answers—trying to understand this devastating disease, explore treatment options, and find any possible financial assistance for her brother’s family. Her message immediately brought me back to the early days of Paul’s diagnosis… the fear, the confusion, and the overwhelming anxiety of not fully understanding what Glioblastoma meant—while simultaneously facing an uncertain future that would impact our family physically, emotionally, and financially.

When Paul was diagnosed, our community rallied around us. A medical fundraiser and the incredible generosity of others allowed our family to focus on what truly mattered—Paul and his treatments—especially during the added challenges of COVID. Those memories made this story deeply personal.

After connecting with the sister, I learned just how suddenly life changed for the family. Her sister-in-law, just 50 years old, lost function on the left side of her body in November 2025. Knowing something was terribly wrong, she was rushed to the emergency room—where the family received the devastating diagnosis of Glioblastoma. Even more heartbreaking was learning the tumor is located in an inoperable area of her brain.

She is now undergoing the standard treatment protocol of radiation and chemotherapy in hopes of shrinking the tumor. If these treatments are not effective, there are no additional options available given the tumor’s location and pathology. Despite this unimaginable reality, the family is determined to do everything possible to extend their sister-in-law/wife/mother’s life and cherish every moment they have together.

The family has three children – 27, 23 and 16. The family has also been required to renovate their home to make it handicap accessible. During the renovations, their local fire department stepped in twice a day to help her get safely in and out of the home for treatments—a powerful reminder of both the family’s need and the compassion of their community.

The financial burden, however, is overwhelming. Between home renovations, in-home care not covered by insurance, and loss of income to care for her, the stress on this family is immense.

When the KARE Board reviewed their situation, there was no question—we needed to help. The family deserves the time and space to focus on her and the moments they have together, without the crushing weight of financial worry. We truly believe Paul continues to guide our connections to families in need, and we are so grateful that the sister reached out to us.

Supporting the family is exactly why the KARE Foundation exists—and we are honored to stand beside them during this incredibly difficult journey.

Blessings all!