Hi, my name is Luke Balzrina, and I’m reaching out on behalf of one of my dearest friends, Edd Reynolds, who is facing the fight of his life.

A few weeks ago, Edd had a terrifying near-death experience. His liver suddenly stopped working, and he was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. At first, a doctor in Fond du Lac told Edd he likely had liver cancer and gave him just six months to live. We were devastated. The news hit like a truck.

Thankfully, after seeing two more specialists and undergoing additional scans, we learned that Edd does not have cancer. But the reality is still heartbreaking: Edd has severe cirrhosis of the liver, and he will need a liver transplant to survive.

Edd’s health has sharply declined. His skin has turned yellow from jaundice, and painful, dark bruises cover his body. In the worst days following his episode, he couldn’t eat or even walk. Though he’s shown small signs of improvement in recent weeks, he remains extremely weak. His hands tremble so badly that he struggles to hold objects or type. He’s far from healthy enough to work and is a long way from regaining independence.

Edd is now living with his mom in Burlington, WI. He’s unemployed, without steady income, and waiting to begin the long and uncertain process of applying for disability. Though he has BadgerCare insurance, it won’t come close to covering his growing medical bills or his basic day-to-day needs.

But here’s what makes Edd’s story one of true hope: Edd is now sober. This experience has been a wake-up call, and he’s facing it head-on with clarity, humility, and courage. He’s made a commitment to himself and his loved ones to live differently—to take full responsibility for his life, his health, and his future. He has shown real follow-through and is determined to keep building on it. He’s fighting not only for survival, but for transformation.

That’s why I’m asking for your help. Any amount you can give will go directly toward helping Edd afford food, medications, and medical care while he fights to recover and prepares for the transplant process. Your donation will give Edd a chance to heal with dignity, without the stress of wondering how he’ll survive the next few months.

This GoFundMe is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a lifeline. Edd deserves the chance to recover, get healthy, and rebuild his life. One day, he hopes to return to work, move into his own place, and live the full life he still has ahead of him.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for standing with Edd in this incredibly difficult time.

With love and gratitude,

Luke Balzrina