Support Bret Shuford's Battle with HLH & T-Cell Lymphoma

Dear friends, family, and community,

We are reaching out with hopeful spirits to ask for your love and support.

Our dear friend, husband, father, and brother, Bret Shuford, was recently diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and T-Cell Lymphoma, a rare and life-threatening immune condition. After many weeks of uncertainty, misdiagnoses, and countless medical visits, Bret finally has answers—but the road ahead will be long and challenging.

This diagnosis has required Bret to put many dreams on hold, including stepping away from his graduate program at UCF, just as he and Stephen had begun settling into their new home in Orlando with their sweet son, Maverick. What should have been a season of new beginnings has instead turned into an unexpected battle for health and stability.

Bret will begin rounds of chemotherapy as part of his treatment plan. These treatments, along with mounting medical bills, have placed a tremendous financial burden on their family. While Stephen holds down the fort at home (and his new gig at Disney World) and cares for Maverick (with the help of Bret's Mom, Deanna), your generosity will allow Bret to focus fully on his recovery without the added weight of financial stress.

For those who know Bret and Stephen (aka The Broadway Husbands), you know the love, creativity, and light they bring into every space they enter. They have given so much of themselves to others over the years, and now it’s our turn to surround them with love and lift them up in this difficult moment.

Your donation—no matter the size—will help cover medical bills, household expenses, and the many unexpected costs that come with fighting such a rare illness. Just as importantly, your kindness will give this family the chance to focus on what truly matters: Bret’s healing and Maverick’s bright, joy-filled childhood.

Thank you for standing with Bret, Stephen, and Maverick during this journey.

Every contribution, share, and prayer means the world to them.

With deep gratitude and love,

Bret, Stephen & Maverick

Coordinated by Scott Barnhardt, Becky Stephenson, Kali Deming and Jen Kahn

Addendum:

This GoFundMe has been started by Scott Barnhardt, a close family friend to Bret and Stephen. (Scott met Bret in 1999 while both attending Wagner College).

The funds will be transferred directly to Stephen and Bret (Stephen will manage these funds, and is a co-organizer on this GoFundMe platform) - and the funds will be used to help with medical bills, child care, and to sustain their family as Bret will be unable to work for the foreseeable future.