My name is Justin, and this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write as a father. My 16-year-old son, Logan, has been in the hospital for the past five days after doctors found a very large DVT blood clot in his upper right leg near the groin upwards to his stomach (25cm of clottting).

We prayed that would be the end of it, but things have taken a terrifying turn.

The doctors have now discovered multiple pulmonary embolisms (PEs) in his lungs — far more than they expected, plus infarction.

This puts him at serious, immediate risk, and had to have vascular surgery to try and remove as many of his clots as possible. Nothing further could be done with his lungs due to the risk associated with going in. We are now praying that the blood thinners begin working before any clot moves or breaks loose. Hearing the doctors warn us about the gravity of this situation is something no parent is ever prepared for.

Logan inherited the same genetic blood-clotting disorder I’ve battled for more than 15 years — Protein S deficiency (a very rare blood disorder that is lifelong).

This condition has nearly taken my life multiple times. Just three weeks ago, I was released from the hospital after developing three new DVTs in my own leg. Because of my ongoing complications, I’ve been out of work for the last month. Then as we thought it couldn't get worse, my engine went out in my truck on the way to the house from the hospital. That has put a huge financial strain on our household at the worst possible moment and my wife Jessica has been working 2 jobs to make ends meet.

We also have two younger children at home, all trying to make sense of why their big brother is suddenly in the hospital while their dad is dealing with his own health crisis. Emotionally and financially, our family has been pushed to the edge.

And as many of you know, our extended family is also walking through another evastating situation — my sister Jewel has been diagnosed with cancer while pregnant.

It feels like our family has been hit from every direction at once, and we are doing everything we can just to keep going.

I never imagined I’d be in a place where I’d have to ask for help like this, but right now, I’m setting my pride aside for my son and my family.

Logan needs us, and we need help to get through this.

Every donation — no matter the amount — will go directly toward Logan’s medical care, household bills, transportation, and helping us stay afloat while I focus on getting him through this critical time. No amount is too small.

If you’re not able to give, we are grateful for prayers, shares, and support in any form.

From the bottom of my heart — thank you for helping us fight for Logan’s health and stability.

— Justin