This is Nigel. He is our person. He is our hero. There is not a person he would not help. Nothing he would not, or has not, given to others. He is our Incredible Hulk. He’s always been the one to help people move, to help take care of them when needed, to give up his car and his food to just help friends or family in need. He finally found the girl of his dreams at 36. They got engaged and are planning a wedding in October. It took him so long to find her because his heart is so big he didn’t dare give it away to anyone else. Together, they are raising a five-year-old nonverbal, autistic child.

As such stories go, there always has to be a challenge. In Nigel’s case, he is huge so his challenges have been as well. Five weeks ago, he was laid off of his construction job due to lack of work. A week and a half ago, he came down with a sudden fever, body aches, and joint pain. Thinking it was just the flu, he tried to ride it out. Three days later, he was admitted to the University of Utah Hospital with septic arthritis. This came secondary to a staph infection that started as a little sore on his forehead. Since then, he has had both wrists, both ankles, and a knee cleaned out. He has had injections in both eyes and a bit of brain surgery, with some micro strokes due to the bacteria there as well. Currently, he is awaiting open-heart surgery to replace a heart valve that is covered in bacterial vegetation. Every time his heart valve opens and closes, the doctors are afraid that the bacteria will get flipped off of the valve and travel to his brain.

As you’ve probably guessed by now, he also has no insurance. He was struggling financially before this incident, and now he is being dealt catastrophic medical bills. Nigel will be in rehab and will not be able to work for months after the procedures. And, most likely, will never be able to do the type of work that he loves again.

If you can find it in your heart to help support this big, loving, bear of a man, please help. It doesn’t have to be much. It can be as little as just a note of encouragement. Let him know that he is loved and that we are willing to share our hearts when his is struggling and not doing so well. But, if you are able to donate in any way to him and his soon-to-be family, please do so.