Richard Swigert's battle with COVID-19

One of my closest and longest friends is currently fighting for his life against COVID-19. Richie contracted the virus at some point in mid-August and had to go to the hospital since he became extremely ill and was struggling to breathe. The last time most of his friends got a message from him was on Thursday 08/26/2021, which was a photo of him being supplied oxygen through a mask. Since then, his condition has gotten a lot worse and he was transferred to the ICU of Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville. As of right now, he is Intubated and sedated since his lungs seem to have taken quite some damage. He is also fighting Pneumonia in both of his lungs and a blood infection. 

Like many others, I love Richie very much. I've known him for quite a while now and can easily say there is no one like him. He is so young and has so much more to give. He is a truly remarkable friend and deserves all the support we can give him during this difficult time.

I am setting up this GoFundMe in hopes that we can raise some money for his mother, Barbie, who is not only dealing with the emotional stress of this terrible situation, but also having to deal with the financial brunt of it. She has so much faith and is truly an amazing mother. If there's anything we can do to remove any of that stress off her, then we absolutely will! While I know as friends we cant physically be there with him yet, I know we can still show our love and support from afar. ( I didn't necessarily think of a "goal amount" so please don't pay too much attention to the amount. Whatever we can get, is whatever we can get! ) 

I will also provide updates here on his condition whenever Barbie passes me the details. Thank you all! Please share if you are able to. ❤️