For Karl, With Love: Support & Care Fund

Hello, I’m Michael—Karl’s partner of 22 years.

We’re reaching out with heavy hearts and hopeful spirits to ask for support for our beloved Karl, who has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

For some time, cancer grew silently within Karl—undetected. Over the past month, it progressed rapidly, bringing serious complications and pain. Karl is now in hospice care at home, surrounded by love. Our focus has shifted from treatment to comfort: making sure his remaining time is filled with peace, dignity, and the unwavering presence of those who cherish him.

If you know Karl, you know he’s a true original.

He lights up every room he enters with his booming voice, infectious laugh, and unmistakable energy. Whether he’s cracking jokes, hosting one of his legendary backyard parties, performing a magic trick, sharing one of his wild and hilarious life stories, or simply having a heart-to-heart, Karl has a rare gift: he makes people feel seen, heard, and truly loved.

Karl also has a deep love for music. He’s always been the guy introducing everyone to the latest hits—burning custom CDs for friends, curating playlists, and making sure no one missed out on a great new track. Sharing music was his way of connecting—of saying, “this made me feel something, and I want you to feel it too.”

He found joy and peace in simple things, too. Yard work was therapeutic for him—he loved the smell of freshly cut grass and took pride in tending to every corner of our space. One of his favorite pastimes was curating miniature fairy gardens, turning small patches of earth into whimsical, magical worlds. That was Karl—finding beauty in the details and sharing it with those around him.

And then there was Halloween—one of his favorite holidays. He’d go all out decorating the house disturbingly (in the best way), and scaring the neighborhood kids year after year as the infamous Shovel Man. It was classic Karl: full of theatrics, fun, and a little mischief—bringing people together through laughter, surprise, and just the right amount of spook.

He’s the kind of person who makes you laugh until you cry, feel like you belong, and leave with a smile you didn’t even know you needed. His voice is comforting, his presence magnetic, and his heart—immeasurable.

Karl is also one of the hardest-working people I know. As a self-employed carpenter and creative soul, he’s spent his life building not just beautiful spaces, but beautiful relationships—always showing up for others with grit, generosity, and a kind heart.

⸻

Why We’re Asking for Help

With Karl no longer able to work, and me stepping away from my job to care for him full-time, we’re facing significant financial challenges. If you are able to donate, your support—no matter the amount—will help ease this burden and allow us to give Karl the comfort and dignity he deserves during this heartbreaking time.

Your donation will help cover:

• Rent, food, utilities, and essential living expenses

• Uncovered medical and hospice care costs

• Comfort-focused medications and caregiving support

Your generosity gives us the space to focus entirely on what matters most: being present with one another, surrounded by love, in the comfort of our home.

⸻

How You Can Make a Difference

If Karl has ever made you laugh with one of his stories, amazed you with a magic trick, handed you a burned CD full of great songs, welcomed you into his garden, or scared the living daylights out of you on Halloween—this is your chance to give back.

Whether you’re able to donate or simply share this message, your support means more than words can express. Thank you for walking beside us. Your kindness, prayers, and love are carrying us through.

With all our love and deepest gratitude,

Michael

on behalf of Karl, our cherished babydoll, and the Friess family