We are heartbroken to share that Ethan Pinsonneault is in end-of-life care after a four-month battle with infective endocarditis and end-stage kidney failure.

Ethan has not had an easy life. He was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis as a young child and experienced chronic pain throughout his childhood and adulthood. Chronic pain, in addition to an opioid prescription given after a back injury, led Ethan to addiction at 20 years old. A disease like addiction can be impossible to manage, and despite his best efforts, Ethan could not escape it. At the time of his hospitalization, Ethan was pursuing a life of sobriety with the help of his local harm reduction clinic.

As we all know, the end of one’s life can incur significant expenses. Throughout the last four months, Ethan’s mother, Mahala, and sister, Liz, have traveled extensively and spent thousands to spend time with and support Ethan, meaning that money is tight for other expenses. We do not have the means to pay for and coordinate a funeral service, but we do hope to get Ethan’s remains cremated in his honor and for the comfort of his family. Any funds raised here will go toward cremation expenses, which are between $5000 and $7000 on average.

Thank you in advance to anyone who has the means to contribute to this fund, and an even bigger thank you to our friends and family who have held us in their thoughts over the last several months. We appreciate it more than you know.