Wayne's Rally For A Heart: US Army Veteran's Fight for Life

Greetings, incredible family, friends and community!

My name is Nancy Coppedge-Benton and I stand before you today with a request that comes straight from the heart, on behalf of my brother Wayne Rushing Jr., affectionately known within the community as "Coach Wayne."

At 39 years young, Wayne embodies the spirit of resilience, compassion, and selflessness. A devoted husband and father of four beautiful children, he's also a proud US Army Veteran who bravely and honorably served our nation in Iraq.

Now, Wayne faces one of his toughest battles yet—a battle for his very life.

Wayne is currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, where he awaits a life-saving heart transplant. This is a pivotal moment not just for Wayne, but for his entire family who have stood by him through thick and thin.

Imagine the courage it takes to confront such a daunting challenge, knowing that the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty. And yet, Wayne faces it with unwavering strength and determination, just as he has faced every challenge in his life.

But even heroes need a helping hand sometimes. As Wayne fights for his life, his family faces the burden of traveling back and forth from their home in Milton, Florida to Jacksonville, Florida (340 total miles). The emotional toll of being separated from their beloved husband and father is immeasurable, compounded by the financial strain of uncovered medical bills and costs, continuous travel expenses, toiletries, hotel accommodations, and other unforeseen expenses at the Mayo Clinic as he awaits a Heart Transplant.

Hospital Link:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/florida

Wayne really needs us to fight for him during this uncertain moment in his life. That's why I'm reaching out to you today as his family, dear friends, co-workers, and fellow Veterans with a simple yet profound request: Let's rally together to support Wayne and his family during this critical time.

How You Can Make a Difference:

We've launched a Go-Fund-Me campaign to raise funds to assist Wayne and his family with uncovered medical bills and costs, continuous travel expenses, toiletries, hotel accommodations, and other unforeseen expenses that may arise during this challenging journey. Your donation, no matter how small, will make a world of difference to Wayne and his family.

Your Support Can Provide:

• Comfort and Peace of Mind: By helping cover the costs of hotel accommodations, you'll ensure that Wayne's family can rest easy knowing they're close by when he needs them most.

• Financial Relief: Your generosity will alleviate the financial strain of travel expenses, allowing Wayne's family to focus on what truly matters—supporting him through his healing journey.

• Community Love and Support: Your donation is more than just financial assistance; it's a powerful symbol of love, unity, and solidarity with a family in need.

Wayne has dedicated his life to protecting and serving others, both on and off the field. As a coach for boys' little league football and basketball, he's been a mentor, a role model, a father figure, and a source of inspiration to countless young athletes in our community. Now, it's our turn to step up and support him in his time of need.

Please Donate and Share Widely

Together, we can make a difference in the life of a true hero. Let's show Wayne and his family that they're not alone in this fight—that they have a community standing firmly behind them, ready to lift them up with love, hope, prayers, and unwavering support.

Thank you, from the depths of our hearts, for your kindness, generosity, and compassion. Together, we can help Wayne embark on his journey to healing and longevity with strength, courage, and resilience.

If you would like further information or have any questions about my brother, please feel free to contact me, Nancy Coppedge-Benton using the information provided through GoFundMe. I will do my best to keep you updated during his journey.

If you would like to spearhead and/or organize a fundraising team to further support Wayne's rally for a heart, I will gladly help you get started with building your team.

Lastly, if you are not able to make a financial contribution, your continuous prayers for Wayne and our family are greatly appreciated.