Lifting Up Karim: Hope & Healing Cancer Fund

Hi friends,

I’m reaching out because someone so special to us needs our support. Our community’s beloved ✨Karim✨ (aka Brett) Harleston — a devoted husband, father, son, brother, mentor, and friend — was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer.

If you know Karim, you know the kind of man he is. Whether through his devotion to his family, his faith, his recovery, his work, or his friendships, Karim moves through the world with integrity, depth, and a heart wide open. He has been a steady hand and guiding light for so many — both in and out of recovery.

One of the most remarkable things about him is his ability to meet people exactly where they are. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the gutter or the penthouse—he sees you, treats you with the same kindness, and holds no judgment. His heart is pure, and his love is vast.

✨Now Karim & His Family Need Us✨

Karim, his wife Brittany, the littles (15 months, 3 yo, 12 yo), and his more-grown children, are all facing a reality no family should have to navigate alone. Brittany’s income is now the only financial earnings available for their household. She is amazing — steadfastly holding space, working, parenting, caregiving, and providing as much stability for the family as possible. Karim is an inspiration — diligently, soulfully, and prayerfully, dedicating himself to his healing while also caring for the children when Brittany is at work.

They are way too humble to ask for anything, but they need our help and support to keep a roof over their heads, food in their bellies, and the stability they need to keep showing up for each other. Let’s wrap around them and help, so Brittany can maintain her strength, TLC, and focus — and so Karim can prioritize his healing and rest.

✨How You Can Help✨

The greatest way to help is by donating.

All donations will go directly to Karim & his family, to provide safety, security, and relief from financial burdens. Let’s do everything we can to help lighten the immensity of what they’re going through and prevent additional stressors, allowing them to focus on what truly matters — his healing and their time together. These donations will help them:

✨Safeguard Their Home & Pay Essential Bills

➝ Rent, utilities, typical household expenses, car payments & insurance, phone, internet, etc.

✨Cover Childcare Costs, Meals, and Household Support

➝ Ensuring childcare, meals, groceries, and household needs are taken care of, allowing Brittany to continue to work and provide stability for the family and Karim to focus on healing without the added exertion of childcare on the hardest days.

He is currently caring for the children on the days following chemo and radiation so Brittany can work — yet these are the very days his body needs rest, recovery, and renewal the most.

✨Pay For Medical and Care-Related Expenses

➝ While insurance is currently covering most treatments, there will likely be additional out-of-network and alternative medical care needs that can make a world of difference in Karim’s healing. There is also a possible upcoming change in their insurance that may increase the cost of his current care.

This fund creates a safety net to ensure Karim can access any and all life-saving treatments while providing critical support for the unexpected.

✨Support Their Downsizing Move in March

➝ Hands-on help, packing, logistics, and physical assistance.

✨Let’s Lift Up Karim & His Family✨

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of Karim’s kindness, wisdom, or unwavering support, now is the time to show up for him and his family.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.

Please consider donating and sharing this fundraiser with others who know and love him — or who would, if they had the chance to meet him.

If you’re interested in ✨ volunteering ✨ or have ⏳ time to offer, please send me a message here, or reach out to me directly (text, social media DM, etc.).

✨Together, we can lighten the load for Karim and his family and ensure they know they are never alone. #NeverAlone✨

With deep gratitude,

Corey