My life has been defined by the lives and loss of two of the most important men in my life, my dad, Duane and brother, Kevin. My dad, who loved music, began the soundtrack of my life at a very young age. My brother Kevin, turned that Carlberg passion for music into a successful singing career. Music has helped me reach academic goals, seek adventures, forge unexpected relationships, and tackle athletic challenges. I am the youngest of five children. Music has gotten us through our tremendous loss.
One of the definitive moments in my life recently was my brother’s passing, at age 32, from brain cancer. Kevin was an amazing man who faced incredible challenges throughout his life. Months after being diagnosed with brain cancer, Kevin and I began training for the LA Marathon and helped raise money and awareness for the UCLA neuro surgery department, giving back to those who helped save his life. I was lucky enough to run side by side with him the entire way and watch as he completed the LA Marathon, an unheard feat. Years later, I wasn’t surprised when Kevin told me he got accepted and would be hiking Mount Kilimanjaro with Love Hope Strength.
Sadly, Kevin didn’t make it to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. But throughout his whole journey, Kevin taught me one of the most important values, fearlessness. No matter what he was doing, whether performing a song, running a marathon or undergoing brain surgery, Kevin was fearless.
This fearlessness helped me change my path. After graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara in Film and Media Studies and working at DreamWorks Animation, I have jumped in feet first to pursue my true calling – nursing. I am studying diligently to reach this goal. I look forward to working alongside the professionals that were heroes to Kevin and my family.
It is apparent that Kevin hiked the most challenging mountains of life, and well, I am lucky enough to carry his torch to the top of Mount Fuji.
As Kevin said in his song, Intentions: When it is over, the fight is hardly over!
