Hi everyone, this fundraiser is being organized by close family friends of Darren and Kym with their full blessing.

In just one week, Darren went from a “routine” aspiration-pneumonia hospitalization to learning he can never safely eat or drink by mouth again. This fundraiser is to help him and his wife Kym through the overwhelming medical and financial fallout.

On November 29, Darren choked on a sip of water, something that has always been a risk because of his vocal cord paralysis. This led to aspiration pneumonia, a condition he has faced many times over the last twenty years and is something that Kym and he know how to deal with fairly well. He was hospitalized, released, and then had to turn right back around to go to the ER when his condition worsened at home not even 18 hours post discharge. After an eleven day stay in the hospital, he’s now past the double pneumonia and is slowly regaining strength.

During this second hospitalization, Darren also underwent an angiogram to evaluate concerns about his heart after some concerning findings in the initial ER admission. While the procedure showed no immediate emergency issues, which is a relief, there are still things that will need treatment but can be managed with medication rather than surgery.

The most life-changing news came from a swallow evaluation that was done at the suggestion of a speech therapist while in the hospital. It showed very clearly that his throat and esophagus was no longer performing the swallowing function, which means he cannot safely swallow or protect his airway. A permanent feeding tube was then ordered and was placed on December 8th, 2025. This means he will now rely on tube feeding for the rest of his life, with no ability to swallow solids, liquids, or medications. The emotional weight of knowing he has taken his last bite of food has been incredibly hard for him.

Kym and Darren’s parents have been by his side through more than two weeks, between the hospital and home. Kym has taken significant time away from work to care for him, support him, and help him process all of these sudden changes. Her workplace has been wonderfully supportive during this time. Darren’s family has also been invaluable with stepping in to help, providing strength and support through long days and nights.

As they look ahead to a new life style. Darren and Kym face new medical routines, ongoing treatments, follow-up care, and many out-of-pocket expenses. Tube feeding brings costs that go beyond what insurance covers, including specialized equipment, supplies, formula, protective clothing, and home modifications. There will also be continued strain on their household as both of them adjust to these new medical and daily needs.

Darren is determined to find his way back to a new normal. It will take time and it will take a team effort. This fundraiser is being created because many people have asked how they can help lift some of the weight during this transition.

Any contribution will go directly toward medical supplies, recovery needs, and stability for Darren and Kym as they navigate the weeks and months ahead. This will also allow Kym to take a leave from work without the worry of financial commitments so that she can help Darren adjust to his new routines and lifestyle. Your kindness and support mean more than words can express. Even if you can’t donate, sharing this page means the world. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for lifting some of the weight off Darren and Kym during the hardest season of their lives.

Kym says, “This whole experience has been almost surreal. What started out as an almost routine occurrence with Darren’s aspiration has taken lots of unexpected twists and turns. It will take us both (along with our families) a while to adjust to this “new normal.” The support we have been getting and know we will continue to get has been amazing. I know everyone keeps reaching out to ask how they can help and I really never know what to say. I appreciate the support in any form it can be given, whether that be just an open ear to vent to, a cup of coffee, gift cards for meal delivery, and help at work. It all adds up to take some of the stress off of our plates. Going forward, I know we both will have a lot to learn and adjust to and time to fully process all that has unfolded this week.”

Every dollar raised by this fundraiser will go to:

Thank you for your support and generosity.