Hi, my name is Akilah, and I’m writing this with a heart full of love and hope for someone who means absolutely everything to me… my significant other, Aaron. He’s a 49 years old son, father, loved one and the kind of person who lights up a room without even trying. He is a fighter, but he’s also a giver, who has a quiet strength that has carried so many people through hard times, and a heart that never stops caring. Even in the middle of his pain, he’s the one who checks on others, who listens without judgment, and shows up. He’s one of the most genuine, kind-hearted people you could ever meet. And he is the love of my life. Aaron means the world to me, and right now, he needs our help. Aaron is in the fight of his life. He has been courageously battling sarcoidosis and emphysema, two cruel and chronic lung diseases that have slowly stolen his breath, his energy, and made everyday life a struggle. It has taken away Aaron’s freedom to live the life he once knew. Sarcoidosis causes clusters of inflammatory cells to build up in his lungs, making it hard to breathe and even harder to heal. Emphysema has further damaged the delicate tissue in his lungs, leaving him exhausted after the simplest tasks.
Together, these conditions have taken a severe toll on Aaron’s lungs. I’ve watched this man who once carried the world on his shoulders, fight with everything in him just to get out of bed, and struggle to breathe just to walk across a room. And now, the only chance he has at surviving, and truly living again, is a double lung transplant. After many years of fighting, his doctors have determined that’s the only option left.
By the grace of God and the help of insurance, Aaron has been approved for this life-saving surgery. We’re incredibly grateful that his insurance will cover the cost of the surgery. But there’s a major hurdle still ahead. In order to receive the transplant and the critical care that follows, Aaron has to relocate his entire life to Durham, North Carolina, where the transplant and post-operative care will take place. He’ll need to stay there for 6 to 8 months, close to the transplant center for constant monitoring, rehab, and recovery. That means leaving behind home, family, stability, and stepping into the unknown. Insurance won’t cover the cost of housing, food, transportation, and everyday living expenses while he recovers, and the costs are more than we can manage alone. That’s why we’re reaching out for help.
We’re humbly asking for your support, our goal is to raise 17,000 to help Aaron cover:
• Temporary Housing & Basic living costs during his recovery
• Daily living expenses like groceries and utilities
• Out-of-pocket medical needs during recovery
Aaron has fought so hard for so long. Despite everything, he remains strong, hopeful, and full of love. I want nothing more than to see him breathe freely again, live without pain, and be able to enjoy the life he deserves. He has given so much love to those around him. Now it’s our turn to give back, to lift him up and help carry him through this long, hard journey ahead. Please, if you can give anything, even just a few dollars, it will mean more than you know. Every donation, no matter how small will make a huge difference. It will help Aaron focus on healing, and not on how he’ll keep a roof over his head while doing it. You would be giving him more than just financial support, you’ll be giving him hope and a real chance at life. And if you can’t give financially, sharing this campaign with others means the world to us, it could help us reach someone who can.
From the deepest part of our hearts, we thank you for reading, for caring, for believing in miracles and for standing with Aaron on this journey to new lungs and a new lease on life.
With love and gratitude,
Akilah
