Dear Friends and Family near and far,

Our family is heartbroken to share that Ole Carlson, my Stepfather, is nearing the end of his battle with cancer.

Ole was diagnosed with stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma in February of 2024. At that time, the doctors removed one of his kidneys and discovered that the cancer had spread to the surrounding lymph nodes and his lungs.

With his wife, Cara, by his side, Ole was determined to fight the cancer and in March 2024, he started immunotherapy treatments. The immunotherapy worked well for a time, but by early 2025, Ole’s lungs had developed severe inflammation from Pneumonitis and his treatment was stopped in March.

Since that time, Ole has tried a TKI Chemotherapy pill, but developed severe cardiac issues that resulted in 7 urgent care visits and 3 admissions to Overlake this past August. Since then, with the help of his family and doctors, Ole has decided to discontinue any more treatment.

Ole was born and raised in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. He is Seattle through and through!

He graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1977 and received his BA from Eastern Washington University. Ole has had many careers throughout his life, but the role of teacher was closest to his heart. He taught middle school for the Seattle Public School System, sharing his lifelong passion for history and reading with his students. Ole inspired countless students and staff to stay curious about the world around them. He was always known for his strong work ethic, humor and quiet kindness. Ole was also a Rotary member and lifelong volunteer for several organizations.

To know Ole, is to love him. He easily makes friends and connections wherever he goes, he’s the first to ask you “where are you from”? And want to know more about you, to make a personal connection. He also remembers everyone he meets by name!

Seven years ago, Ole met Cara, my Mother. Ole and Cara bonded quickly over being educators in the local public school system. They shared a love of their families, public service and the Seattle Mariners baseball team. In each other, they found not only a loving partner, but a “home”. They were so excited for their future together, sharing retirement and grandchildren. When they were married, Ole described Cara as “love of his life, bringing grace he never thought possible..” Their time together has been filled with love, laughter and deep devotion. Together, they share 4 children and one grandson, James. Cara has been by Ole’s side throughout every step of his illness, caring for him at home as his health has gradually declined.

Cancer is a devastating disease, for all families and our family has been no exception. Our lives have been turned upside down and this disease progression has been fast and relentless.

Now, as Ole begins to recieve hospice care,

Cara is faces not only the pain of losing her beloved husband, but also the stability they shared. With Ole’s medical expenses, out of pocket costs, making the house ready for this stage of his illness, and lost income, the expenses are overwhelming.

We invite you to be a part of the support network for Ole and Cara.

We are raising $100,000 to help cover:

-Medical and hospice expenses not covered by insurance

-Funeral and memorial costs

-A small cushion for Cara as she navigates life without Ole’s income

Ole has spent his life helping others - as a son, a father, a stepfather, a coach, a teacher and a friend. Now it’s our turn to help ease this burden for him and Cara during these final days.

Any amount, no matter how small, makes a difference and if you can give, please consider sharing this campaign with others to help spread the word.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, compassion and support during this heartbreaking time.

With gratitude,

Katie Byrne-Clarke and Family