Help us fight for Chris's life and eyesight

Hi, my name is Valeria. Thank you for visiting my fundraiser in support of Chris Young and their wife Tiara. Both Tiara and Chris are my closest friends, and they are beloved by many. They've always been an example of a loving and devoted couple who've been through a lot in their eighteen years together and with every trial, they unfailingly emerged stronger than before. However, something happened two weeks ago that trumps any of the challenges they've previously faced. Now, they need our help more than ever.

Almost two weeks ago, Chris was admitted to the hospital 4 days after falling ill with high fevers and other symptoms. Subsequent tests revealed that Chris is suffering from blood sepsis (a severe bacterial infection of the blood), with a liver abscess and some of the other vital organs affected. So far, the doctors have no idea what exactly caused the infection. Less than 24 hours after being admitted to the hospital Chris's vision began to rapidly deteriorate and they became completely blind as the infection invaded their eyes. They continue to be totally blind and are in danger of losing their eyesight permanently. The doctors have tried various antibiotics so far, both systemically and directly in the eyes and while some improvement has been made, the infection persists. This is a rare presentation of infection with this particular bacteria that only tends to occur in the Asian population. Not many doctors have experience in treating it.

The doctors at UNC Medical Center are working around the clock to care for Chris. At this point, not only Chris's eyesight, but their survival is not guaranteed by the doctors and we don't know when they will be out of the woods. Once survival is no longer in question, they are looking at most likely a month long hospital stay and many months of recovery, along with multiple surgeries, both in the hospital and afterwards through outpatient treatment before we'll know if any of their vision has survived. They'll have their first eye surgery tomorrow (Oct. 2) after a week of painful eye procedures trying to avoid it. I can't find the words to describe how shocking and terrifying this situation has been for Chris and Tiara, and for those of us who love them. Tiara is bearing the brunt of it all, having stayed with Chris 24/7 at the hospital most days, single-handedly monitoring and advocating for their care. Any of you who have had a loved one in the hospital and have been their sole caretaker know what that is like.

In addition to Chris's illness, they were laid off from their job at the end of July of this year. Since then, they've been actively job hunting, a process that now understandably has to be paused temporarily as they heal, go through surgeries and learn to function with their vision loss. Chris's former employer and coworkers have been wonderful and incredibly supportive when they learned of this tragedy, and both Chris and Tiara are incredibly grateful to them. Unfortunately, in addition to needing to be Chris's full time caretaker now and for the foreseeable future, Tiara is permanently unable to work due to a chronic disability. This is a great deal of uncertainty and financial stress on top of an already uncertain and stressful situation.

In this fundraiser, we are asking for help with the looming costs not covered by medical insurance, which are numerous. This includes any unexpected expenses and medical bills, as well as transportation costs for when Chris becomes an outpatient and requires multiple medical and rehab appointments (neither Chris nor Tiara are able to drive now). Their home will need to be adapted to become blind compatible. Chris's passion (as well as job) is coding, and they will need numerous tech and developer tools to help them to get back to communicating with the world, and eventually to be able to once again earn a living doing what they are so great at.

Lastly, I myself, as well as Chris and Tiara believe in transparency and accountability. We are committed to keeping everyone who decides to generously support this Gofundme as up to date as possible about the changes in Chris's condition (hopefully, they will all be positive!). Truth is, only the most dire of circumstances would compel Chris and Tiara to become the beneficiaries of a fundraiser, but sadly, here we are. Sometimes things happen that only a community effort can make better. Whether you know Chris and Tiara personally, or someone has shared this fundraiser with you, we are forever grateful for any support you can offer. They are incredibly special people who have moved gracefully and generously through life and have loved and supported many people. I hope that now we can return that love and support back to them. Thank you to all who have already contributed donations, prayers, good energy, and positive thoughts throughout this process, they deeply appreciate every bit of goodness sent their way, it all matters.