Hello,

We are writing to you today to ask for your support for our dear friend Kimber Tiberius Brightheart.

As some of you may know, Kimber has been living with chronic pain and illness for many years that comes with a great deal of frustrating medical care. This past year, Kimber finally received a diagnosis of an unspecified autoimmune disorder and Chiari Malformation which has led to more helpful treatment and therapies that have provided some relief. However, more speciality testing from an immunologist is needed. In addition to this, Kimber has had some recent health setbacks which have necessitated first intermittent and now a period of continuous leave from work.

Kimber has served the Chicago and now the Larimer County, Colorado area communities as a social worker for many years with deep dedication and compassion. In Chicago, Kimber worked in the housing and harm reduction realm, and then in hospice care. Since moving to Colorado Kimber has found themselves working and providing leadership in housing and harm reduction again. Additionally Kimber has continued to provide direct service and to individuals who are homebound and may be at the end of life, and individuals with intellectual disabilities, and leadership to therapists, case managers, and peer specialists. In addition to providing incredible direct service, Kimber has been a longtime trainer in harm reduction, particularly in the important areas of serving the LGBTQIA+ community and in working with people who engage in self harm. As a hospice social worker, Kimber held space for people in the most vulnerable moments of their lives, helped them realize some of their deepest wishes, and supported their loved ones in the transition.

Kimber is also one of the most creative and hilarious individuals we have ever met. They have been getting funnier with age (if you have the privilege of being their facebook friend or reading their wedding website, we are certain you will agree). Their menagerie of cats that they have rescued and built a family with additionally provide hours of entertainment via Kimber’s narratives. We look forward to many more years of enjoyment, especially as Kimber gets the care they need, feels better, and has more spoons for their creativity.

Kimber could use our support now as they navigate this leave of absence from work. We want to provide Kimber with the financial resources they need to cover their medical expenses and lost wages, so that they can focus on their health and recovery.

Here is how your donations will directly support Kimber during this time:

We are asking to raise $8,000. This will cover wages already lost from being on intermittent leave, wages that will be lost on continuous leave, and cover medical expenses leading up to when Kimber hits their out of pocket max for 2026. Last year Kimber hit their out of pocket max in March, and is likely to hit it in January of 2026.

The cost of testing done every 6 months by Kimber’s immunologist is $17,000, and Kimber will need specialty testing and further imaging, some of which they will have to travel for. Their deductible is around $3000 though their employer pays for part of that, and will hit their out of pocket max at $10,000.

Kimber has already lost wages as a result of being on intermittent leave, and will be making about $600 less a month through their short term disability plan while on continuous leave. This will create additional hardship from trying to recover from wages already lost.

As you can see, Kimber has done so much for their various communities over the years, and now it's time to come together and provide support to our friend during this critical time. If you are in a position to help Kimber with financial support, please do so. If not, we would appreciate you sharing this fundraiser far and wide to all of your networks.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you for your support in whatever form that takes.

With love,

Emily and Valery