Brian’s story as told by his brother Daniel:

”Health is often something that most of us take for granted, that is until we lose it and are grasping for life itself. Fortunately for most, we can dictate our own health through our decisions but for many, like my “baby” brother, sometimes your body simply fails you. Perhaps no longer a “baby”, my youngest brother, Brian, doesn’t suffer from some bewildering illness; quite the contrary actually, he suffers from perhaps one of the most well-known and treatable human diseases, Type 1 diabetes, yet the significant price tag nearly made it a death sentence.



Brian was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes at 12 years old. He cared for his disease the best anyone could expect from a child and we tirelessly supported him but it was definitely rough. When he was old enough to start preparing for the New York Police Academy he was faced with insurmountable hurdles as they saw his Diabetes as a liability. Nonetheless, Brian wouldn’t be defeated, moving to a state that didn’t see his disease as a liability, he was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of serving the community. Becoming a police officer in Florida in 2017 he has already proven his ability, dedication and, passion, being awarded Officer of the Year in 2019.

 

While his resilience and determination have allowed him to live the life he has dreamed of, protecting and serving others in need, his disease has also continued to worsen and test his limits. The situation he recently faced involved not one, not two, but THREE, of his organs failing him. While receiving a transplant, consisting of 2 out of those three organs from a donor, could cure his lifelong ailment the initial price tag over $300,000, may well have made it a death sentence.

 

Brian has worked tirelessly to navigate this healthcare hurdle, all while continuing to serve others. Despite how much we try to help him with paperwork or doctors’ appointments he is always reluctant, not because he isn’t grateful but because he doesn’t want to be a burden. Isn’t this the true distinction of a hero, someone who dedicates themselves to the service of others at the expense or sacrifice of their own well-being or even their own life?

 

I’ve grappled with the idea of asking for financial help from others as I know that it might not be aligned with Brian’s wishes, the idea of burdening others with his problems, but I believe that I’ve reached a moral compromise. I am asking for the aid of anyone who finds themselves in a place to do so without burdening themselves first and foremost, because I know Brian wouldn’t want others putting him first. I thank you for taking the time to read our story. I hope with your help we can give my baby brother many more years living the dream he fought so hard to fulfill, protecting and serving the community for the benefit of everyone.”