Hi, my name is Emerson McClenaghan, and I’m currently a senior in high school. For almost three years now, I’ve been battling severe chronic illnesses. These years have been some of the hardest of my life — physically, mentally, and emotionally. But as hard as this has been for me, I truly believe it has been just as hard — if not harder — for my parents.

There isn’t a single day that I live without severe pain, overwhelming fatigue, and constant medical challenges. For nearly three years, my family and I have been fighting every single day for answers — searching for treatments, specialists, and anything that could help me get healthy again and live pain-free.

This journey has taken a tremendous toll on my parents, Ashley and Chris . They’ve carried the weight of watching their daughter suffer, while also juggling work, life responsibilities, and supporting my sister, Avery, in college. They’ve never complained. They’ve never slowed down. They’ve just shown up for me — every appointment, every hospital stay, every setback and some of the small milestones.

The financial burden has been overwhelming and stressful on them. We upgraded our insurance to the highest level possible just to try to cover more of my care. Even then, many of the specialists I need to see don’t accept insurance at all. We’ve paid out-of-pocket for countless appointments, procedures, blood work, and testing. And while insurance helps in some areas, co-pays and uncovered services add up very quickly.

In April of 2025, I underwent a major abdominal surgery in Los Angeles, California. While insurance covered a portion of the procedure, we still faced a large co-pay, along with the cost of traveling out of state and staying in a hotel for nearly three weeks. Being away from home for that long came with a significant cost.

Unfortunately, this may not be the end. I may need another major abdominal surgery — again out of state — which would require about 3 weeks to a month away from home. That means another extended hotel stay, travel expenses, and more medical costs.

Despite everything, my parents have continued to support me unconditionally. They have fought beside me every single day. They’ve put my health first, no matter the cost — emotionally, physically, or financially.

This fundraiser is something I’m doing as a surprise for them — so please don’t tell them. My goal is not only to help ease the financial burden of medical expenses, travel, and ongoing care, but also to thank them. They deserve relief. They deserve support. And they deserve to know that the love and sacrifices they’ve poured into me are seen and appreciated.

If you’re able to donate, I am beyond grateful. If you’re not in a position to give, I completely understand — but even just reading my story and sharing this link would mean the world to me. Every share and every bit of support helps more than you know.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story and for standing with my family and me during this journey. Again, anything raised, will go directly to my parents for medical expenses.

Love,

Emerson