My name is Christine and I am starting a GoFundMe for a very important person in my life, Brian Kaner. Brian has tested positive for a condition called MCTD. He has had 15+ surgeries since age 15. All injuries that required surgeries we now know are caused by this autoimmune disease. Brian is facing 4-5 surgeries over the next year. He has been in the most excruciating pain I've seen. Both of his shoulders will be getting full replacements. He can't turn his steering wheel without being in level 10 pain, or even just be his fun goofy self without hurting bad enough to be down on the ground. Brian has had a love for food and is a Culinary Institute of America alumni. He took that education and went on a weight-loss/health journey. He wanted to eat healthy but still enjoy flavorful foods. With that, he eventually founded K&Co Spices, a spice/seasoning company to give his community and many communities safe, healthy, 100% natural, and extremely potent flavor spices. Brian had the goal to promote healthy eating that tastes amazing, but he also has had many plans to use his business to help raise money for school programs and help local bars and restaurants with any business ideas he has... and never asks for a dime. He truly loves to help other people and businesses be successful. People here in Tri-Cities call him "The Spice Guy" and you can't go anywhere without someone knowing him.

Brian isn't just "The Spice Guy"; he is a single dad of a beautiful 8-year-old girl who is full of joy, kindness, and enjoys working the farmers' markets with her dad. Brian has not only been one of my best friends but has been my closest, most supportive friend I have in the Tri-Cities. He has stepped up every time I had medical issues with my Type One Diabetes and was admitted into the hospital for days by taking care of my daughter and my dog. He is currently saving me and my family from homelessness until our new rental is ready for us. He is an extremely caring person who goes to great lengths to help others even though his whole world has been crashing down for the last three years. Because of his condition (MCTD = mixed connective tissue disorder), it has not only been detrimental to his physical and mental health; it has affected his capability to run his business and stay afloat, creating a loss of income. Unfortunately, Brian has had very little support from family and just in general. He is always looking out for everyone else, making a week's meals for a friend and her family after she was in a major car accident, making a friend's wedding video with a drone after the bride called in a panic as she couldn't get a videographer in time, even showing up to camp with friends hauling a trailer full of all things cooking like a Blackstone, a grill, a smoker, a mini dishwasher, the amazing Keurig coffee maker, and even music speakers. He ALWAYS shows up!

Please help me show up for the man that doesn't stop showing up for others. Help me raise money to support these surgeries and his small business to get him healthy, happy, successful, and back to doing what he does best, helping others and enjoying life with the most positive, energetic outlook.

All money will go to medical expenses first. If we pass our goal and pay these medical bills, anything left over will go to helping Brian save his business, K&Co, so he can continue doing his passion, help fundraise for our schools, and give our community healthy food options!