Hello family and friends, my name is Blake Hardin, Desi's girlfriend and mother of his son Malachi. I am creating this GoFundMe on behalf of Desi and our family for a recent medical event that required a life saving surgery for Desi.

On Monday, March 23rd around 8:00am, Desi was woken up by sudden, searing pain in his jaw and a numb leg. What he thought might be a minor scare turned into a life-or-death crisis: an emergency open-heart surgery for a ruptured aorta.

​After a grueling 6.5-hour surgery, the incredible team of surgeons saved his life. Desi is currently a fighter in the ICU, and while the surgery was a success, the next 12 weeks are critical.

Desi is so strong willed, but for the next 12 weeks, he will be under strict physical limitations. He cannot push, pull, or lift anything—which means he won’t even be able to pick up his son, Malachi, until his chest has healed.

​Because Desi will be unable to work during this window, we are reaching out to our community to help bridge the gap. Our goal is to ensure that Desi can focus 100% on his health and his son without the crushing weight of financial stress.

​How Your Donations Will Help:

We have calculated a 3-month recovery goal of $7,500 to cover the following essentials:

​Housing Stability: We had been working toward signing a lease on a place and were only a few days from signing the lease. With donations, we can ensure we have our deposit and first month's rent secured.

​Recovery Essentials: Specialized button-up clothing (to avoid reaching over his head) and a recliner so Desi can safely sit and bond with Malachi.

​Medical Travel & Care: Gas and food support. Uncle Dean will be providing care for a while for Desi until he comes to the apartment when that makes sense for his recovery. He will have many follow up appointments and physical therapy etc.

​Daily Needs: Monthly bills and essentials for baby Malachi (diapers, etc.) while Desi is off work.

​How You Can Help:

Whether it’s a donation, a shared link, or a home-cooked meal brought to the hospital, every bit of support is a lifeline for us. Desi is physically and emotionally exhausted, but he is surrounded by love.

​Thank you for standing with Desi and our family during this journey. We will keep you updated on his progress every step of the way.