Hi, my name is Brandon, and I’m a store manager at Starbucks in Hillandale, Maryland. I’m creating this GoFundMe on behalf of Charles, a customer who has become a part of our community and someone whose story has moved all of us who know him.

Charles is a former 6th-grade teacher who spent eight years teaching in Delaware. His life changed drastically when his 19-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Without hesitation, he left his job and moved to Montgomery County, Maryland so he could care for her full-time. Soon after relocating, Charles received devastating news of his own—he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Charles faced his treatments while caring for his daughter, but tragically, she lost her battle with cancer. The emotional and financial toll of her illness, coupled with his own medical challenges, completely drained his savings.

After the removal of one of his kidneys during his first fight with cancer, Charles worked hard to rebuild—but now, the cancer has returned in his remaining kidney. He is enduring daily pain, exhaustion, and uncertainty while fighting to stay alive. Today, Charles is homeless. He tries every day to earn enough for a meal and a low-cost hotel room, but if he can’t, he’s forced to sleep outside in the woods. Despite everything he’s gone through, he remains kind, humble, and hopeful.

I’m starting this fundraiser because Charles deserves safety, dignity, and stability—especially while battling a life-threatening illness. No one fighting cancer should be worrying about where they will sleep at night. Your support will help Charles with safe temporary housing, daily meals, transportation to medical appointments, basic necessities, and stability while he continues cancer treatments.

Any amount will make a difference. Every bit of support helps move him one step closer to a safe night’s rest. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this campaign. Thank you for taking the time to read Charles’s story and for showing him that he is not alone.