Help Charles Ferguson: A Heart That Gives Beyond Measure

Help Charles Ferguson in His Time of Need: A Heart That Gives Beyond Measure

Hi, my name is Kristine Levine, and I’m here to share the story of my dear friend Charles Ferguson, a man who has spent his life helping others, often at great personal cost. I've known Charles for over 12 years, and I can honestly say that his heart is boundless, his trust endless, and his compassion unmatched. But right now, Charles is in a very difficult place, and it’s time for us, his friends and community, to give back to him—just a fraction of the love and generosity he's given to others.

My first real memory of Charles goes back to a time when we were all questioning a friend’s girlfriend, Kristin Bible, who was claiming to have cancer. It sounds absurd now, but we were suspicious of her story, especially when the boyfriend began asking for donations with the statement, “If you don’t donate, you’re not my real friend.” As a group of us started questioning the situation, Charles stood by his friend, defending Kristin. He truly believed in the good of people, and despite all evidence, he couldn't fathom that someone would fake cancer.

Eventually, we discovered that Kristin had been pretending to have cancer to manipulate and defraud people. She even went as far as taking money from Charles, a man who only wanted to help. Despite being misled, Charles continued to defend her, and even after the truth came out, he felt embarrassed and ashamed. He unfriended me and the others who had been skeptical, and though it hurt at the time, I understood. Charles’ nature is one that wants to believe in the best of people, no matter what.

Years later, in 2019, Charles reached out to me with an apology that showed the depth of his character. He admitted he’d been wrong, and though he was embarrassed, he owned up to his actions with incredible humility. We reconnected, and it was like no time had passed. He was still the kind, generous man I knew, even after the heartbreak and betrayal he’d faced.

But Charles has faced so much more. He became homeless in 2015, and while living on the streets of Orlando, he endured a traumatic experience when he was assaulted. He was infected with HIV but, by some miracle, did not contract the virus. That event was a wake-up call for him, and he sought help, went to rehab, and began working toward recovery. He’s had his share of pain, and yet, he’s kept fighting, staying sober, and continuing to help others along the way.

Despite all his struggles, Charles never lost his kindness. His heart has always been bigger than most, and his generosity knows no bounds. He’s always been the first to lend a hand, whether in friendship or financially, no matter the situation. But now, Charles is hurting, and it's our turn to help him.

Recently, Charles had back surgery, (Surgery for Radiculopathy whic is caused by the compression or irritation of nerve roots in the spine, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness) but the recovery hasn’t gone as hoped. He’s had repeated hospital visits, and the healthcare system has done little to ease his suffering. Insurance won’t cover all the treatments he needs, and now, Charles is in a dire situation. He doesn’t need much—just $750 to get him out of immediate danger and back on his feet. I know it’s a small amount in the grand scheme of things, but for someone who’s given so much of himself to others, this is a way for us to give back to him in his time of need.

Charles would have given anything to help someone in crisis. He’s done it before, many times, and he never expected anything in return. He’s the kind of person who gives without hesitation, even when it means he has nothing left for himself. Now, I’m asking for your help. If you’ve been touched by Charles’ kindness or if you remember the time when he was taken advantage of by a liar, please consider helping him now.

Charles is a testament to the best of humanity—a man who continues to believe in the goodness of people, even after all he’s been through. Let’s show him that there’s still goodness in the world. Let’s show him that he is not alone.

Please, help me raise $750 to get Charles the support he needs to heal and move forward. No amount is too small, and every little bit counts. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and for being part of this effort to give back to a man who has given so much.

With love and gratitude,

Kristine Levine