Main fundraiser photo

Support Bryce Through Life-Saving Heart and Kidney Surgeries

Donation protected
As many of you know, life has thrown an incredible challenge at Bryce - one that requires not just one, but two major surgeries in the coming months. As his family, we're coming together to help Bryce, April, Garrett, Hunter and Dawson weather this medical storm.

The Journey Here
Bryce's story begins with what seemed like a simple heart murmur detected in childhood. Doctors assured his family that it would resolve itself as he grew. Even at 16, when the murmur was detected during a high school water polo physical, medical professionals maintained the same optimistic outlook.

Everything changed in Bryce's early 30s when a severe headache led to an emergency room visit. What they discovered was far more serious than anyone expected: Bryce was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a condition that causes cysts to grow in the kidneys. The persistent heart murmur was caused by a defective heart valve that needed to be surgically replaced. Bryce was informed that he would need a kidney transplant and eventually heart surgery. Bryce was placed on medication to slow the growth of the PKD and to lower his high blood pressure. As the years passed Bryce's kidney cyst grew larger and his kidney function dropped. In early November 2024 the doctors determined that Bryce would need heart surgery before the kidney transplant as his defective heart valve was leaking too much.

The Current Challenge
Now, Bryce faces two critical surgeries:

  • Open heart surgery on December 11th to repair his defective heart valve
  • A kidney transplant tentatively scheduled for April 2025

In a beautiful display of friendship, Bryce's best friend from high school, Justin, has stepped forward as a matching kidney donor. This gift of life is a miracle, but the journey to receive it is challenging.

The Financial Reality
Bryce works in construction, and his medical journey will force him to be out of work for 8-10 months. While his employer will keep him on payroll through February 2025 under FMLA, he will unfortunately be laid off after that period.

This creates a significant financial burden for his family, who must maintain:

  • Monthly mortgage payments
  • Car payments
  • Health insurance premiums
  • Utility bills
  • Groceries
  • Unexpected medical expenses

How You Can Help
We're aiming to raise $30,000 to help Bryce's family through this challenging time. This amount will help cover basic living expenses while he undergoes and recovers from both surgeries. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help keep a roof over their heads and food on their table while Bryce focuses on what's most important - healing and recovering.

A Note from the Heart
Bryce and April have always been the first to help others in need. Now, it's our turn to stand by them. Your support will allow them to focus on what matters most - Bryce's recovery - without the crushing weight of financial worry.

Every share, every dollar, and every prayer counts. Thank you for being part of Bryce's journey to healing.

Did you know? 20-25% of people with PKD have heart conditions requiring surgical intervention. Your support isn't just helping one family - it's shining a light on a challenge faced by many.

Updates
We will post regular updates about Bryce's progress and recovery journey. Follow along to see how your support is making a difference.
Thank you for your generosity and support during this critical time. Together, we can help Bryce and his family through this challenging journey.
Donate

Donations 

    Donate

    Organizer and beneficiary

    Emily White
    Organizer
    Vacaville, CA
    April Freese
    Beneficiary

    Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

    • Easy

      Donate quickly and easily

    • Powerful

      Send help right to the people and causes you care about

    • Trusted

      Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee