Help Daren Singleton Get the Heart He Needs to Keep Living the Life He Loves

If you’ve ever had the blessing of knowing Daren and Kathy Singleton, then you already know what it means to be truly seen, supported, and loved. Now, it’s our turn to show up for them in a way that truly matters.

In 2013, Daren was diagnosed with a rare viral infection of the heart. It was unexpected and life-altering—but in true Daren fashion, he faced it head-on. One of the healthiest, most disciplined people we know, Daren devoted himself to maintaining his heart through daily workouts, a healthy diet, and an unwaveringly positive outlook. When Mayo Clinic evaluated him in 2021, he was so healthy he didn’t even qualify for the transplant list. That’s how determined he’s been to live life fully and fiercely.

He and Kathy, his partner in every sense, tackled it together. Kathy took her own health journey seriously, losing 77 pounds and becoming the strongest, most vibrant version of herself. They worked as a team—as they always do.

But life, as it often does, took a turn.

This May, a severe stomach flu knocked Daren off balance. It sent his heart condition spiraling in a way no one could have predicted. After 12 long years of fighting with everything he had, Daren now needs a heart transplant to survive. He is currently admitted into Mayo until he receives a new heart.

What makes this even more heartbreaking is that Daren isn’t just a fighter—he’s the kind of person who lights up every room he walks into. His sharp wit and sense of humor can make you laugh on even your darkest day.

This is where you come in.

Daren and Kathy are the kind of people who always show up—for their friends, their family, their coworkers, their community. Whether it’s cheering on their kids, showing up for a graduation, hosting a gathering, or lending a hand when life gets messy, they are there. They’re second parents to Haleigh (my daughter), pillars of love and kindness to so many of us, and they’ve never once asked for anything in return.

They’ve spent their lives showing up, now we need you to show up.

Kathy is a devoted middle school teacher at Julia Landon College Prep, Daren works hard as a delivery driver for Kroger. They have two incredible children: Alexis, a recent graduate from the University of North Florida and will soon be volunteering abroad in Portugal, and Gabe, a student at the University of Florida and proud manager for the Gators Football team. This fall, Daren and Kathy should be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. Instead, they’re navigating the emotional and financial burden of a transplant that will give Daren more years with the people he loves most.

We’re raising funds to help cover the massive costs associated with Daren’s heart transplant—travel, extended hospital stay, medication, and the recovery process. Every single dollar will go directly to helping this incredible family stay afloat during the most challenging season of their lives.

If you’ve ever felt loved by Daren or Kathy—or if you simply believe in helping good people in hard times—please consider donating. And if you can’t give, please share this message with your circle, pray, speak to the universe, whatever your heart leads you to do, it will all be appreciated.

Let's help Daren get the new heart he needs so he can keep doing what he does best: living, loving, laughing—and lifting others up.

With hope and gratitude,

Misty Oglesby