“For you, a thousand times over”-if you’ve read The Kite Runner, that line probably hits home. Every time you think about that book, you can’t help but think about that one friend who’d do anything for you. You know, friends are more than just people we hang out with. They’re the ones you can count on like your own flesh and blood. For Niners TE George Kittle and his wife, Claire, one of those friends has been Kari Pekar. But life, as always, doesn’t let anyone coast too long. It throws curveballs when you least expect them. And right now, it’s thrown a pretty brutal one at the Kittles and their close friend, Kari.

Claire and Kari go way back, sharing some real memories from their days at the University of Iowa. The two were tight, part of the Iowa Hawkeyes family. On Sunday, Kari posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, revealing that she’s battling stage 4 colorectal cancer at 31. Claire couldn’t hold back her love and support for her friend. She reshared Kari’s post on her own story, asking her followers to send prayers and love to her friend, who’s like a sister to her. 

“My sister I love you! You are the most incredible human & this world is a better place because of you. Truly no one as genuine or loving as you Karbear. You’re the strongest girl I know,” wrote Claire. You can feel how heavy her heart must’ve been as she typed those words. Watching someone you love fight through something so brutal is one of those things that hits you in a way you can’t prepare for. “My prayer warriors please lift up our best friends they are our family (heart emoji),” added Claire. 

Kari and Claire have often been spotted together at the Niners games, showing just how tight-knit their friendship is. As a new mom, Kari always makes it a point to support her friend’s husband whenever she can. After all, the bond between them runs deeper than just friendship. All three share the same roots, graduating from the same college. 

A Subtle Gesture from George Kittle

George Kittle’s show of support for his college friend Kari was simple, yet spoke volumes -two heart emojis on her post. It’s not about the grand gestures; it’s about that quiet, constant support between friends. George and Kari share a real bond. Kari welcomed her baby girl, Ivy Jean, back in October. And Uncle George is Little Ivy’s favorite. Lately, Claire even posted a sweet pic of Ivy and George together, and Kari reshared it with the caption “Best Friends Forever.”

But behind the smiles and joyful moments, life hasn’t always been easy for George and Claire. They’ve had their struggles, especially after losing a child to an ectopic pregnancy. It was a painful journey, and yet, through it all, they’ve kept showing up for each other and their loved ones.

Maybe that’s why they’re so fiercely loyal to friends like Kari because they know firsthand how precious those bonds are when life gets tough.