Hello, my name is Karen, and I am raising money for my brother George Young. Let me tell you his story.

George Young and his wife Jan McLelland Young have devoted their lives to their family, including adopting 7 children, in addition to 4 already at home. In one adoption hearing, the judge asked George why he wanted to adopt the three little sisters who had been living with them for several years, and he responded, “because every little girl deserves a dad.” George and Jan reside in Alpine, Utah and have eleven children, as well as eleven grandchildren.

On March 16, 2021, George was admitted to the hospital with severe symptoms of what was originally thought to be sepsis; however, sepsis was ruled out as a source of infection couldn’t be found. For months, George's diagnosis was a mystery to the doctors and hospital staff. He was experiencing numerous life-threatening symptoms and was in and out of the intensive care unit—coming close to death on several occasions.

On June 9th, almost 3 months after being originally admitted, the remarkable team of diagnosticians and physicians at the University of Utah Hospital diagnosed George with a rare autoimmune disease known as Rheumatoid Vasculitis. This has resulted in gangrene in both feet, several small strokes, severe muscle weakness/numbness, and constant fatigue. Because George has been extremely ill and bed-ridden for over 130 days, he is unable to use his hands or legs, he is unable to sit up unassisted, and because of the strokes, he has to re-learn to swallow, thus he has a feeding tube. He cannot roll himself over in bed nor get himself up to go to the restroom. He continues to have fevers and high white blood cell counts.

Right now, the insurance company has determined that he is not sick enough to remain in the hospital, however, he has not made enough progress in his recovery to qualify for a rehabilitation center. George will be sent home in less than five days.

George needs around-the-clock care, with Jan, his wife, being his primary caretaker and unable to work. Just this week, George had to sign a form with his employer for “leave with no pay.” We don’t blame his employer, that’s just the reality of his situation.

Home health is setting up essential equipment in his bedroom and will visit him weekly. George and Jan will now be responsible for the following medical costs:

• Weekly home health visits

• One-third of hospital equipment rental monthly

• In-home medical supplies

• Maintaining monthly Insurance premiums

• Ongoing ambulance transportation to U of U Hospital for treatments

As you can see, things are now desperate in the Young household. We are reaching out to all of you for help. George is a good man and an amazing father. He has given so much in his life to so many who needed assistance. George is the one now who needs help from his family, his friends, his brothers and sisters in his church, and his community. ALL donations will go toward George’s medical expenses, and to pay for living expenses for his family while he and his wife are unable to work.

We give our heart-felt thank you for any amount you can donate to him.