Rally for Riley: Road to remission from FSGS.
Donation protected
My cousin Riley is 35 years old and has been diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called F.S.G.S. It has severely impacted his kidney function, and they now only function at around 3%. He is on dialysis and is expecting to need a kidney transplant in the near future. Riley is such a kind, caring, and sweet person. He’s a gentle soul and helps everyone he can. He loves motorcycles and the open road. I want to see him on a bike again, living his young life the way he should.
He is suffering, though, and his medical expenses are getting higher and higher. The unthinkable has happened, and we can’t imagine our lives without him in it. He needs your help. We need your help. We know there is an answer to our family’s prayers in the people around us that can donate today and make a difference in his life and ease this burden. He’s not needing a lot. If we could get 3,000 people in the next 3 months to give $5, we could meet this goal. We just need to get the word out. I know my graduating class was over 1,000 people. There are hundreds of thousands of people in OKC and surrounding areas. I want to make this happen and help my cousin.
A little background:
Riley has two sisters, nieces, and nephews that all want to see him well. A mom and dad that have been through so much already and are amazingly strong people. His mom Donna is my dad's cousin.
He grew up in McLoud, Oklahoma.
He was popular in school, well-known, and well-liked. Growing up, my parents moved me to the town he was from. I envied that everyone knew who Riley was. We hadn’t seen each other a lot or spent time together before that. I didn’t know anyone, but when Riley and I met and realized we were in the same grade, we instantly became best friends. He let me follow him around like a lost puppy, introduced me to his friends, and made sure everyone knew I was his cousin. Some of the best years of my childhood were spent on his parents' farm and roaming around McLoud, Oklahoma. We ran the roads together, mudding, speeding on back roads, and acting like fools. Oh, to be 16 again! Riley played football. I went to all his games, and he came to my softball games. I just remember him being like a gentle giant, the big brother I needed at that time in my life.
He stuck up for me. It meant everything to me that he was there for me. That’s just the person he is. He has a big heart and is very protective of the people he loves.
He deserves so much better in life than fighting this disease every day and not knowing what the future holds. The stress and uncertainty. Let’s please give him all our support and show him the power of community and prayer.
A prayer for him:
Jesus, please heal Riley and give him the strength to keep fighting against this disease until it’s gone. Give him your peace that surpasses understanding and heal his body. Relieve any pain and discomfort. Take this burden, God, we give it to you. In Jesus' name, we pray, AMEN.
Please donate today. Just $5 could make a huge impact. Whatever you can give helps. We are so grateful to each and every person that reads this and shares his story.
The prognosis for this disease is very grim, with eventual total renal failure and the necessity of a transplant to survive.
To learn more about FSGS, please visit:
nephcure.org
Organizer and beneficiary
Hillary Calvert
Organizer
Oklahoma City, OK
Riley Shields
Beneficiary