We never thought we would be here, writing this, but sometimes life puts us in situations where we need the love and support of our community more than ever.

Our loved one, my dad , Dawud Peterson, has been fighting kidney disease and has been waiting for a transplant. He is not just any man - he is my dad, a veteran who served his country, a husband of 42 years, a dad to two children, and a proud grandfather to two beautiful grandchildren. He has spent his life working, helping and serving others: recently dedicating himself to Christ, giving back to his church, helping his neighbors, and even starting a food pantry so that families in need would never go hungry. If you know him, you know his heart and you know he’s always willing to help or give, never asking for anything in return.

Recently, one of his dearest lifelong friends, Sidney Wilson, did such an unselfish act and stepped up to be tested as a kidney donor. He wasn’t asked to but he felt compelled to help save his dear friend’s life. Unfortunately, he wasn’t a direct match for him but he was a match for someone else who has been waiting. This opened up the chance for a paired kidney exchange, which would move my dad to the very top of the transplant list. It’s truly a miracle in the making, born from friendship, faith, and selfless love.

But here’s the hard part: both he and his friend will need to undergo surgery and that’s weeks of recovery. That means time off work, medical costs, and everyday bills piling up while they focus on healing. This is where we need help from the community.

We are asking, from the bottom of our hearts, for any support you can give. No amount is too small because it all makes a difference. If you can’t give financially, your prayers, kind words, and sharing of this fundraiser are just as powerful.

He has given his whole life to helping others. Now, for the first time, we’re asking others to help him. Please stand with us as he fights for the gift of more years with his wife, children, grandchildren, and all of us who love him dearly.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.