As a healthcare worker, and member of a Critical Care Transport Team. I’ve seen firsthand the emotional and financial toll that a critical illness can take on a family. But nothing fully prepares you when it’s your own.

My cousin Rod is currently in the fight of his life. He’s 49 years old, a devoted husband to Whitney, and a loving father to four wonderful children—one in college, one graduating high school this year, and two younger ones still at home. Rod has quietly battled a debilitating chronic illness for much of his life. His very advanced case of Ankylosing Spondylitis has required him to endure multiple spinal surgeries since his 20’s as well as the placement of a pacemaker several years ago.

In March, he caught a virus. By early April, when he hadn’t improved, Whitney brought him to the hospital—thankfully. Rod was in full kidney failure and septic. A staph infection was spreading throughout his entire body. The staph infection was in his spine, kidneys, liver, lungs and all his joints as well as his heart. He had a very specialized procedure to vacuum out the infection from his heart. He fought through dangerously low blood pressure, multiple heart blocks, and ultimately needed heart surgery to replace his infected pacemaker. He developed pneumonia, lost function in his left arm, and has faced extreme physical setbacks.

Despite all of this, by the grace of God, Rod now knows who he is, where he is, and why he’s there. That alone is a miracle. But the road ahead is long. Each day brings new challenges, and the infection continues to move throughout his body. Long-term rehab is necessary, and recovery will be slow and difficult.

This GoFundMe has been created on their behalf, not just because I love them deeply, but because I know from experience how overwhelming the burden can become. Whitney has been by his side every step of the way, traveling away from home to be there for his care in other cities—including emergency air medical transport and transfer to a facility capable of managing his complex heart needs. He spent nearly a month in ICU, and there are still many steps ahead before stability returns.

They are facing mounting medical bills, loss of income, travel expenses, and the daily costs of simply holding everything together for their children.

So many people have reached out, asking how they can help. This is how. If you’re able to donate, every bit helps ease the weight on Rod and Whitney’s shoulders. If you can’t give financially, please consider leaving an uplifting message or saying a prayer. Both are just as powerful.

Rod is still fighting. And so are we.

Thank you for being part of our village. Your love, support, and generosity mean more than words can express.