On Friday, July 25, Karl was rushed to the hospital at Norfolk Sentara after showing signs of possible heart and kidney failure. Shortly after his admission, his condition rapidly declined. Doctors discovered a dangerous buildup of fluid around his vital organs, requiring immediate and ongoing intervention.

Karl is currently sedated and on a ventilator in the intensive care unit. His oxygen and carbon dioxide levels are critically low but continue to improve at a slow pace. The medical team is working around the clock to stabilize him, using dialysis, blood tests, and imaging to remove excess fluid and determine the cause of his condition.

As you can imagine, this medical emergency has placed an immense emotional and financial burden on Karl’s family especially since he just started a new job where he is not eligible for medical insurance at this time. With ongoing treatment, hospitalization, and the uncertainty of recovery ahead, the costs are quickly adding up.

We are asking for your help. Any amount—no matter how small—will go directly toward medical expenses, travel, cost of living, and other costs that Karl’s family is facing during this heartbreaking time.

Karl has always been a source of strength, humor, and kindness in our lives. Now it’s our turn to support him and his loved ones. Please consider donating, and if you can’t give financially, sharing this campaign or keeping Karl in your thoughts and prayers means the world to us.

To help keep family and friends informed, a Facebook page will be launched soon to provide regular updates and ways to help.

Thank you for your compassion and support.

Lindsy Whittaker