Patrick and his family are walking through one of the hardest moments we have ever faced.

My brother-in-law Patrick, a devoted husband, incredible father, beloved son, brother, uncle, friend and lifelong child advocate— is nearing the end of his battle with kidney cancer. After months of fighting with everything he had, his doctors determined it is time for hospice care.

Patrick has spent his life caring for others. As a social worker, he has stood beside children and families during some of their most difficult moments, advocating for kids who needed someone to believe in them. The number of lives he has quietly changed over the years is immeasurable.

But to those of us who know him best, Patrick’s greatest devotion has always been his family.

He and his wife Julie have built a life together centered around love, resilience, and raising their children with the same compassion and strength that Patrick brings to everything he does. He is the kind of father who shows up completely — cheering from the sidelines, guiding with patience, and loving his children fiercely.

As Patrick enters hospice care, our focus is on surrounding him and his family with as much love and peace as possible.

At the same time, the reality is that this journey has placed enormous emotional and financial strain on Julie and the kids. Between medical expenses, time away from work, and the uncertainty that comes with losing a husband and father, the road ahead will be difficult.

We are creating this GoFundMe to help support Julie and the kids during this time — to ease some of the financial burden so they can focus on being together, grieving, and eventually rebuilding life after an unimaginable loss.

If Patrick has ever touched your life, advocated for your child, helped your family, or simply been the kind and steady presence so many of us know him to be, we invite you to help support the family he loves so deeply.

Every donation, message, and share means more than we can express.

Thank you for surrounding Patrick, Julie, and the kids with love.

With gratitude,

Kristin and family