Support Ernest Washington's Journey to Recovery

June 29, 2024, is etched in my memory as the most harrowing day of my life. My father, Ernest Washington, just 63 years young, was discovered collapsed in a Kroger parking garage.

Thanks to the quick actions of compassionate bystanders, an ambulance was called, and his wife (my momma), Mary, was alerted. He was quickly transported to Grady ICU, where he fought for his life after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke—an urgent medical crisis caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain.

I, his daughter Olivia, was an hour away at the lake with friends, but got an Uber straight to Grady. Ernest Washington, affectionately known as “E-Dub,” is a living testament to Black history and an esteemed celebrity photographer whose lens has captured icons such as Tyler Perry, Evander Holyfield, and Halle Berry. He was the last photographer to work with the late Left-Eye of TLC, and his remarkable portfolio reflects a lifetime of artistry and achievement.

The stroke has left its mark, resulting in mild paralysis on his left side, diminished speech and cognitive abilities, and profound fatigue. After more than a month in Grady ICU, he has transitioned to rehabilitation at The Shepherd Center. These past ninety days have felt like an eternity, yet the greatest blessing remains: my father is still with us.

We have created this GoFundMe to seek your support, no matter how large or small.

My mother, Mary Washington, has devoted herself entirely to caring for my father, tirelessly maintaining this role for the past three months. I have stepped in to support my mother financially during this challenging time, as we prepare for my father’s eventual return home. Your help today will go towards medical bills, prescriptions, doctor visits, groceries, rent, and necessary modifications to make my parents apartment wheelchair accessible.

Nobody thinks this could ever happen to them, that they’d be in a position of such vulnerability, sharing one of the most traumatic seasons of their life for the world to see and asking for help from friends, family, and even strangers.

It’s sooo uncomfortable.

Yet, from these dark moments can emerge remarkable stories of resilience and kindness. I believe this will be one of the greatest testimonies of triumph and a showcase of generosity. A tale of human beings showing their best selves. I thank God daily for the strength we find in one another.

My father is a fighter who beat the odds The survival rate for hemorrhagic strokes is around 26.7%, with about half of people dying within weeks of the event. He continues to Live to fight another day.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, and thank you in advance for any support you can offer.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Washington Family —Olivia, Mary, Jordan, and E-Dub

“Miracles don’t just happen every day, they happen every second”