Standing With Durell “Prince Rell” Ross and His Family While Dealing With Muscular Dystrophy

Sometimes love requires sacrifice. Sometimes faith requires us to step forward when we don't know how every need will be met. Sometimes a family simply needs a community to stand with them while they stand for the one they love. Durell Ross, lovingly known as “Prince Rell,” has been living with muscular dystrophy his entire life and has now been hospitalized for several months. Throughout this difficult journey, his mother, Yolanda; his father, Donald Sr.; his brother, Donald Jr.; and his loving wife, Roseanne, have made an extraordinary commitment to remain by Prince Rell's side around the clock.

Their presence is about much more than simply being in the hospital room. They are there to comfort him, pray with him, watch over him, communicate his needs, and advocate for the quality care he deserves. At times, ensuring that Prince Rell receives the attention and responsiveness he needs from his medical team has been challenging. His family has chosen to remain present so that when Prince Rell cannot speak for himself, he still has a voice. That commitment, however, has come with tremendous sacrifice. Prince Rell's father has been employed with the same company for more than 25 years, but he has taken a leave of absence from his job so that he can be there for his son. Unfortunately, the benefits that allowed him to continue receiving income during his leave have now been exhausted. Sadly, his mother's current income is not enough to cover everything. Yet the household bills have not stopped. Housing expenses, utilities, food, transportation, insurance, and everyday living expenses continue to arrive while this family remains focused on something far more important—the care and well-being of their son. Imagine having to choose between being at the bedside of your child who needs you and earning the income necessary to keep your household going. No parent should have to carry that burden alone.

One of the most remarkable things about Prince Rell's journey has been the faith of this family. I read the updates every time Yolanda posts about Prince Rell's journey. I can hear the frustration. I can feel the disappointment during the moments when it seems the medical team may not be as responsive as the family needs them to be. I see the uncertainty and the exhaustion that can come with such a lengthy hospital stay.

But there is something else that is even greater: their trust in God has never wavered. Through the difficult days, the unanswered questions, the sacrifices, and the financial uncertainty, this family continues to stand on the Word of God. They continue to pray. They continue to believe. They continue to show up for Prince Rell every single day. To this family, Prince Rell isn't a burden. He is their God-given gift. And because they recognize just how precious that gift is, they have chosen to make whatever sacrifices are necessary to remain by his side. I have chosen to take my own leap of faith by creating this fundraiser and praying that we can help make it possible for Prince Rell's family to continue doing exactly what they feel called to do—be there for their son. The purpose of this fundraiser is to help relieve some of the financial pressure on the Ross family while Prince Rell remains hospitalized. Your contributions can help with household expenses, utilities, food, transportation, and other daily financial responsibilities while his father remains away from work to help care and advocate for him. I am asking everyone who reads Prince Rell's story to search your heart. If God has placed you in a position to help this family financially, please consider sowing into their lives during this season of need. Whether it is $10, $25, $50, $100, or whatever you are able to give, every contribution can help lighten a burden and remind this family that they are not walking this journey alone. And if you are unable to contribute financially, your prayers and your willingness to share Prince Rell's story are equally appreciated. Share this fundraiser with your family, your friends, your church family, your coworkers, and your community. My prayer is that Prince Rell's parents and brother can continue to stand beside him without the added fear of wondering how their household responsibilities will be met. My prayer is that when they are tired, God gives them strength. When they are frustrated, God gives them peace. When they are discouraged, God renews their hope. When there is a need, God provides, and when Prince Rell needs a voice, may his family continue to have the ability to be right there beside him to speak, advocate, pray, and fight for him. I pray that you find it in your heart to financially support this family in their time of need, and I pray that the love and generosity you extend to them returns to you many times over. Thank you for every donation. Thank you for every prayer. Thank you for every share. Lastly, thank you for helping this incredible, faith-filled family continue to be present for their beloved Prince Rell. Now the family is in need of a handicap-accessible van because he will now be coming home on a ventilator with a trache.

May God richly bless your life as you become a blessing in theirs.

“Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 (KJV)

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