Above photo: Gary enjoying a day in the boat with his family in 2015

We’re reaching out to let you know that we are kicking off a campaign to help Gary Bynum, Jr. (my big brother) and his family. The medical support he needs is expensive and requires treatment for an extended period of time ---adding to the financial pressures to his emotionally strained family. 

Above photo: Gary reunited with his children in April 2021 after a 7-week long stay at Baptist Hospital

Many of you have known Gary and his loving nature, and also know the battles that he has been facing the past seven years.  Gary is currently in critical condition and on life support systems, fighting for his life.  Gary has been battling an infection in his foot and leg called Vibrio Vulnificus since 2014, liver disease since 2016, and was recently diagnosed with male breast cancer in April 2021 (yet to be staged). His condition has rapidly deteriorated since this past February.
 
Above Photos: (1) Gary admitted to the hospital for the first time for the salt-water infection Vibrio Vulnificus in 2014 (2) Hospitalization again for flareup of same infection in 2015.

The effects of his current situation are devastating to all of us, and especially to his immediate family. Prognosis indicates that proper care will maximize his survival chance. Possible future treatments may include, but not limited to: amputation, stem-cell therapy, liver transplant, surgery to remove cancerous mass, unknown cancer treatments at this time. Insurance coverage is minimal and is not expected to cover extreme treatments that may be necessary to save his life, your help is needed and appreciated! Your donation will help to cover: medical expenses above and beyond what insurance covers, insurance premiums, caregiving for Gary, possible treatments not covered by insurance, hotel room for a family member to be close-by at all times during his stay at the hospitals (all family members live at least 1-hour away from the hospital),  any further unforeseen expenses that involve Gary's medical situation.

The upcoming days and weeks are critical as the doctors design the best treatment options.

Photo above: Gary (far left) and me (Melanie Joiner, organizer of this page and his baby sister!), and the rest of his immediate family (his wife is taking the photo.)

 Your generous contribution WILL MAKE A HUGE IMPACT! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Above Photo: The HAPPY and LOVING guy we want to give a big hug to and congratulate for surviving all of this! You got this GB, we are here for you!!! <3