This fundraiser is to help our good friend Aaron as he battles for his life.

Aaron is our buddy from Denison University in Granville, Ohio. Originally from Franklin, Ohio, he moved out west after college and built a life doing what he loves — working as a fishing and hunting guide based in Livingston, Montana, and as a lift operations supervisor at Bridger Bowl Ski Area.

On March 7, Aaron sent a message that he was headed into open-heart surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm discovered the day before. He was airlifted to Billings and underwent surgery on March 8.

A few days later, he was airlifted again to Salt Lake City, where he continues his recovery.

What began as chest pain, exhaustion, and a trip to the ER quickly turned into a fight for his life. Since then, Aaron has faced a long and complicated road in the ICU, including additional procedures and critical heart support.

There have been encouraging signs along the way. At times he’s been awake, responsive, and shown real strength. He's also suffered setbacks, remains in the ICU, and the road ahead is serious, uncertain, and likely long.

Anyone who knows Aaron knows the kind of person he is — the kind of guy people show up for, and also the kind of guy who won’t rush to ask for help. He is deeply loved by his family, his sons, and his friends. Right now, we’re hoping to show up for him and for the people carrying this alongside him.

This fundraiser is being created to help ease the financial burden surrounding Aaron’s medical crisis and recovery. Funds will go toward medical expenses, travel and lodging for family, time away from work, rehabilitation, and the many unexpected costs that come with a long hospital stay.

This fundraiser is organized by Chris Clark with funds going directly to Aaron's care through his mother, Martha, who is helping manage his care and recovery.

This is part of a collective rally from the many communities who love Aaron. Whether you are from Franklin, Ohio, Livingston, Montana, Denison University, the fishing guide community, the hunting community, a former client, or someone in between, please help us spread the word and support him. We will continue to share updates when available.

If you’re in a position to give, thank you. And if not, sharing this page and keeping Aaron and his family in your thoughts means just as much.

We’re all pulling for Aaron.

Thank you for your generosity and care,

-Chris Clark, friend of Aaron's