For decades, James/Rick has been the steady hand and quiet heart in moments of crisis — teaching new nurses, supporting neighbors, and the friend quietly covering a bill when someone’s in need. He was in on the start of the first burn center in Mississippi, and spent his career at the bedside, lifting everyone around him. Now, for the first time, it’s James/Rick who needs us.

The Good News!

He’s approved and officially listed for a kidney transplant at both Ochsner Health (New Orleans) and UAB (Birmingham), James/Rick has met every hurdle — medical, surgical, and psychosocial. All that’s left is a match and a phone call. When that call comes, he’ll have six hours to arrive, check in, and go into surgery.

Then comes up to four to eight weeks of recovery within arm’s reach of his transplant team — weeks that bring major costs insurance won’t touch:

Your support helps cover:

• Lodging close to the transplant center

• Daily meals for James/Rick and his caregiver

• Transportation to and from follow-up appointments

• Unexpected living or medical expenses during recovery

Every gift — big or small — brings James/Rick closer to waking up with a new kidney and returning to the life he’s spent building for others.

James/Rick served with the Mize Volunteer Fire Department at the annual Watermelon Festival and Christmas Parade for years, with MVFD.

Attached pictures James/Rick and his son Aubrey/AJ.

With gratitude,

Tammy & #TeamJames