Spencer's Medical & Life Expenses
UPDATE 5/10/17: We had to change the date of Spencer's celebration to 8/12
UPDATE 5/8/17: The amount of love, respect and admiration that came in through this GoFundMe, has been humbling. We're pretty certain the amount reached will cover much of the expenses, so donations have been turned off. I will be sending out thank yous over the coming days and weeks to all of you amazing people. We hope everyone will be able to attend the memorial and celebration of Spencer's life on Saturday, August 12 at 2 pm at Foothills United Methodist Church (4031 Avocado Blvd. La Mesa, CA 91941).
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UPDATE - 4/18/17: Shortly after 2 pm on April 17, Spencer passed away. The ordeal was long, but in perspective of the amazing amount of love and life he gave to every single person he encountered, it was nothing. He passed with grace, surrounded by his family, pastors and friends and he is sorely missed. Our hearts are breaking, but our minds are certain and proud of the genuine and confidnetly faithful life he led. A service for his life, and a party, will be planned for the end of July. Make sure to be in contact with the family to be updated of the day, time and location.
The goal of this campaign has been raised as we anticipate greater bills and to cover memorial costs. Any funds not used for these things will go towards creating a foundation in Spencer's name, that will likely promote social justice and equality for youth.
Following is the original post from 4/14
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There's no easy way to say that my brother needs a lung transplant, but nothing about this has been easy.
Early in March, Spencer was checked into the hospital with chest pain and difficulty breathing. What started as a minor concern has morphed with frightening speed into a nightmare for Spencer and our family.
Before it was discovered that the ultra rare Hamman Rich Syndrome (fewer than 100 people are diagnosed each year) was preventing his body from recovering from the mysterious Acute Respitorty Distress Syndrome (ARDS), he had to be placed into a coma to keep him stable. Except for a few confused and panicked hours, he's been medically sedated and separated from this world.
It's hard to know what he's thinking, but I know that if he could talk right now he'd probably be asking us how we're doing. He'd probably be worried about all the kids for whom he's a mentor.
It's hard to say exactly what's wrong, but it doesn't matter too much what it's called or why it happened when the end result is that air steadily leaks from your lungs and the doctors say that you need both of them replaced. Of course we're concerned about a donor, but right now we're just trying to find an open bed at a hospital capable of performing this complicated procedure.
Spencer has insurance, but there are gaps. It's impossible to estimate just how much he will owe when he gets through this — and he will — but I know that my family and I will be there to help him cover those gaps the best we can. Unfortunately, I'm not sure just how well we will be able to do that. Hopefully, that's where you come in.
Anything you can do to help will be greatly appreciated. Spencer isn't rich, but he's rich in friends, and that's a true blessing. Thank you so much, and thank you all for the kind words you've shared with me and my family during this time.