Yes We Xan
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The Story of YES WE XAN
Alexander Harwood-Karlik, July 15, 1985 - November 27, 2019
Xan Harwood-Karlik is a warrior. He brought his best fight to every challenge, whether it was at Cross-Fit, on the course of a Spartan race, defying gravity (and the specifics of how didn't seem to matter much as long as he was in the sky), or bringing everything he had to the partnerships he made with his peers at work.
That didn't change on November 11th, 2014, when he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer. Xan's positivity and strength never wavered. Through chemo, radiation, surgery, and even after the disease progressed to Stage 4 in 2015. He stayed active, taking on Kiteboarding (a literal extreme sport) as a hobby. He worked every day he could, taking immense gratification from every item checked from his to-do list.
Xan was determined to live the longest, best, most gratifying life he could - and that included becoming a father. On October 18th, 2016, he and his beloved wife Sara welcomed the adorable Kevin into their lives.
Xan defied all expectations for years, creating memories with his family, his friends, and inspiring communities through his efforts with the PanCan walk in Portland, speaking at engagements, Camp Koru, Everyday Warrior, and by sharing his story publicly for anyone looking for encouragement.
In March 2019, the cancer spread to Xan's brain. Like every other obstacle he encountered, he did everything he could to overcome. After 7 surgeries and countless ICU visits, he made the brave decision the fight for quality of time instead of quantity. Hospice arrived on October 26th, and he is currently resting comfortably and spending time with loved ones.
Xan feels very blessed to have been supported by family and friends over the years, and extremely blessed that his situation did not require fundraising to cover medical expenses. He is happy with and proud of the life he lived and has no regrets.
But as Xan prepares for what comes next, there is one thing on his mind that we can help with. Xan wants (as any loving husband, father, and partner would) to know that his family will be able to make the most of their time, too.
So, we (his friends) are creating this GoFundMe as an opportunity, for those who are inclined, to donate directly to Sara and Kevin. All money will be used directly by Sara for household expenses, a nest egg for a rainy day, extracurricular activities for Kevin, and to keep living life to the fullest.
Alexander Harwood-Karlik, July 15, 1985 - November 27, 2019
Xan Harwood-Karlik is a warrior. He brought his best fight to every challenge, whether it was at Cross-Fit, on the course of a Spartan race, defying gravity (and the specifics of how didn't seem to matter much as long as he was in the sky), or bringing everything he had to the partnerships he made with his peers at work.
That didn't change on November 11th, 2014, when he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer. Xan's positivity and strength never wavered. Through chemo, radiation, surgery, and even after the disease progressed to Stage 4 in 2015. He stayed active, taking on Kiteboarding (a literal extreme sport) as a hobby. He worked every day he could, taking immense gratification from every item checked from his to-do list.
Xan was determined to live the longest, best, most gratifying life he could - and that included becoming a father. On October 18th, 2016, he and his beloved wife Sara welcomed the adorable Kevin into their lives.
Xan defied all expectations for years, creating memories with his family, his friends, and inspiring communities through his efforts with the PanCan walk in Portland, speaking at engagements, Camp Koru, Everyday Warrior, and by sharing his story publicly for anyone looking for encouragement.
In March 2019, the cancer spread to Xan's brain. Like every other obstacle he encountered, he did everything he could to overcome. After 7 surgeries and countless ICU visits, he made the brave decision the fight for quality of time instead of quantity. Hospice arrived on October 26th, and he is currently resting comfortably and spending time with loved ones.
Xan feels very blessed to have been supported by family and friends over the years, and extremely blessed that his situation did not require fundraising to cover medical expenses. He is happy with and proud of the life he lived and has no regrets.
But as Xan prepares for what comes next, there is one thing on his mind that we can help with. Xan wants (as any loving husband, father, and partner would) to know that his family will be able to make the most of their time, too.
So, we (his friends) are creating this GoFundMe as an opportunity, for those who are inclined, to donate directly to Sara and Kevin. All money will be used directly by Sara for household expenses, a nest egg for a rainy day, extracurricular activities for Kevin, and to keep living life to the fullest.
Organizer
Sara Harwood-Karlik
Organizer
Portland, OR