Hi family, friends, and kind strangers,

As many of you know our story, my husband Sam was suddenly diagnosed with Stage 5 kidney failure in August of 2024. He went from being a healthy 31-year-old, who was active, surfed, traveled, and worked as a freelance photographer, to being told he would have to be put on life-saving dialysis to keep him alive. He has been on dialysis since last year, and he is currently waiting for a match for a kidney transplant.

Sam has fought an incredible fight this past year. As his wife, I am so proud of the way he has shown up and kept his faith. He has worked so hard to provide our primary income to maintain our bills and keep us afloat. As a freelance photographer, we are out of pocket for medical insurance, and Sam does not have access to sick days. As his wife, I have to assume the role of his caretaker. These things have added up, as well as medications, a CPAP machine, rent, food, and utilities.

In the past month, Sam’s health has deteriorated quite rapidly. He has trouble staying awake during the day, his legs are incredibly swollen, he can’t wear proper shoes, and he has suffered from pneumonia, which has left him with fluid in his lungs. He is in pain physically and mentally.

We have hundreds of people praying and believing for a turnaround, and whilst we haven’t seen any change yet, we will continue to believe that it’s on the way.

We are so grateful for everyone in this season, and as hard as it is to reach out and ask for help, we know that we have so many incredibly kind, genuine, and generous people we know.

Sam is the type of person who is so generous to everyone around him, with his time and resources. He would do anything for the people he loves, and I know that when he is fully healed from this, he will be the first to give in whatever way he can when someone else’s needs arise.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting. Your compassion reminds us that we’re not facing this alone. Every act of kindness helps lighten the burden.

Love,

Shauna & Sam