This is Z — one of the warmest, most outgoing, reliable and genuinely good-hearted people you could ever meet. None of us could have imagined that what began as months of kidney issues and infections would turn out to be something so serious.

On September 23rd, Z received devastating news: doctors had discovered a 14-centimeter AML tumor on his right kidney. A tumor this large is extremely uncommon in someone so young, and the diagnosis shocked everyone.

Just one week later, on September 30th, the tumor spontaneously hemorrhaged, causing internal bleeding and sending Z into an emergency. He underwent an urgent embolization procedure to stop the hemorrhage. Afterward, he developed post-embolization syndrome that kept him hospitalized for six days.

Because of the hemorrhage, the major tumor-removal surgery had to be delayed for about three months. Z is now preparing for the upcoming surgery, which will remove the entire tumor and his right kidney.

Since the emergency surgery happened this year, Z has already met his out-of-pocket maximum for 2025. However, the nephrectomy is scheduled for early next year, meaning he will have to pay the full out-of-pocket maximum all over again — essentially doubling his costs.

This leaves him with unavoidable, significant medical bills on top of months of recovery.

Even with insurance, Z is facing major out-of-pocket costs:

Emergency hemorrhage surgery — $5,000

Upcoming nephrectomy — another $5,000 due to next year’s out-of-pocket reset

8–10 weeks out of work — roughly $5,000 for rent, groceries, utilities, medication, and follow-up care

Our goal is $15,000, which will help Z get through all of this without falling into a financial crisis.

And let’s be honest — times are tough for everyone right now. Bills are high, groceries cost more every month, and most people are just trying to stay afloat. The reality is, help isn’t coming from anywhere else. We take care of each other, or it doesn’t happen at all. That’s why we’re asking for support — not because it’s easy, but because community is all we’ve got.

At 25, he should be building his life — not navigating a medical emergency, two major surgeries, and thousands of dollars in bills he has no control over.

If you’re able to donate or share the link to get the word out, it would mean the world to all of us.

Thank you for helping Z through the hardest moment of his life.