Gift of life for Dion - Gift of education for his son

Hello everyone

My name is Spencer Baynard. I am a caregiver for my dad, Dion. He has double kidney failure, and I operate his home dialysis. Helping take care of him has inspired me to go back to school for nursing. Funds will be used both for Dion’s procedures and my school expenses. Here’s a recap of how we got here:

Dion:

Dion had CABG or quadruple-bypass heart surgery in January 2020. He then developed an infection in both his feet, leading to an amputation of one toe from his left foot in September 2021 and one toe from his right foot in June 2022. Diabetic ulcers and managing diabetes have been a constant battle. He had numerous hospital visits between 2021-2023 with difficulty breathing and intense swelling. They initially treated him for lymphedema with no success. They eventually realized that his kidneys were the source of the problem for they had both failed. He started dialysis and was put on the kidney transplant list. He switched to home dialysis in July 2024, first with a catheter, and now with a fistula.

By the grace of God, we have a kidney donor! But there are still a lot of hoops and appointments to go through. As of 11/14/24, the infection has returned in his feet, and we are awaiting scans and results regarding next steps. We also await bronchoscopy results regarding a potential infection or scar tissue.

Spencer:

I graduated from KSU in Summer 2022 and moved to Iowa (from Georgia) to work as a legal assistant case manager for denied disability cases in Fall 2022. I was succeeding in my position, but I was halfway across the country while my dad was in and out of the hospital. I quit my job January 2024 and moved back home to Georgia to help take care of him. Helping with dialysis piqued my interest so I decided to go back to school for nursing. I was accepted into Emory’s direct entry Master of Nursing program, which begins January 2025.

Growing up, I also faced some health challenges, including Lyme disease, Celiac disease, IBS, hemorrhoids, and Narcolepsy. I understand the pain and confusion when medical answers are elusive. I also know the frustration of being a concerned family member, longing for progress and clarity in a loved one’s medical care. And now, as a caregiver witnessing healing occur before my eyes, I’m excited to become a nurse.

Contributions of any size will be greatly appreciated. Funds will be used for Dion’s clearance procedures and my school expenses. Consider sharing the page with others; I will keep it updated as results come in and procedures are scheduled. Send a prayer, for the One who receives them can do far greater than any dollar can.

Ways to contribute:

GoFundMe - click "Donate," enter desired amount, choose payment method

CashApp - $sabaynard1018

Venmo - @sabaynard

Thanks and God bless,

Spencer