My Journey

I was born and raised in Miami and have lived in the Fort Myers area since 2015. Over the years, this community has truly become my home. I’ve always enjoyed giving back, whether it’s through helping the unhoused, organizing food and toy drives, or volunteering at charity events. One of my favorite traditions is DJing for the annual Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners sponsored by Aries Security and other local organizations. When I’m not volunteering, I love riding my motorcycle with my club, the Black Warriors, and being part of a brotherhood that uplifts others.

Family is everything to me. I’m the proud father of three boys and one girl, and my biggest dream is to watch them grow into strong, kind, and accomplished young adults. I want to be there for their milestones—graduations, college, and all the little moments in between. Unfortunately, my health has made that incredibly difficult. Some days I feel strong, but on others, even walking too long leaves me dizzy and short of breath. Travel is impossible because of dialysis, and even being consistently present for my kids—emotionally, mentally, and financially—has been a challenge.

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My Health Journey

In 2011, I was diagnosed with type II diabetes and hypertension at just 29 years old. Through years of hard work, I was able to bring my diabetes under control, but hypertension remained a constant battle. Despite my best efforts, in November 2024, I received the devastating news that my kidneys had reached end-stage renal disease and I would need to begin dialysis immediately.

I am currently on nightly home hemodialysis for 8 hours, which allows me to participate in life as much as possible. But the treatment is exhausting—good days are often followed by several days of debilitating fatigue. Because of the dialysis catheter and the infection risks that come with it, I can’t work. This has not only limited my ability to provide for my family but has also forced me to step back from many of the community events I love organizing.

The only hope for a return to normalcy is a kidney transplant. I’ve gone through all the necessary testing, doctor visits, and blood work, and I’m officially on the transplant list. Now, it’s just a matter of waiting for that call.

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The Financial Impact

This illness has taken a huge financial toll. I’ve depleted my savings and no longer have a steady income. Covering daily living expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries has become incredibly difficult, not to mention the costs of transportation to medical appointments, medications, and dietary needs. Supporting my children financially and emotionally while managing this illness has been one of the hardest parts of this journey.

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Why I’m Asking for Help

Your support through this GoFundMe would mean the world to me and my family. It would help cover the essentials—keeping a roof over our heads, food on the table, and the costs that come with ongoing treatment—so I can focus fully on staying healthy and preparing for the transplant. Most importantly, it would give me the strength and peace of mind to be present for my children while we wait for the next chapter.

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A Final Thought

My hope is that my story serves as a reminder to take care of your health. We often give so much of ourselves to others, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first, so you can continue to be there for your family, your friends, and your community.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and for any support you can give—whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this page.