Support James’ and his 2 boys

My name is James, and I’m reaching out because my 2 boys and I are facing an incredibly difficult time. I’ve been living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a painful autoimmune disorder that has kept me in and out of the hospital since January. Since then, I’ve had 11 surgeries, and the challenges just keep coming. Most recently, I had to have my entire scrotum removed due to complications from HS, and now I’m learning how to walk again. On top of that, I developed a severe infection under my left armpit on Father’s Day, which nearly cost me my life. My white blood cell count skyrocketed, and I spent the day fighting for my life instead of celebrating with me and my 2 boys.

Before all of this, I worked as a barber for 16 years during the day and at Wegmans overnight to provide for my two boys, Since being hospitalized in January, I haven’t been able to work, and our savings have nearly run out. We’re struggling to keep up with car payments, groceries, and even camp for our oldest son. The financial stress is overwhelming, and it’s hard to see my family go without while I focus on healing. I have one more surgery ahead, and then it’s a long road to recovery as my body heals and I learn to walk again.

This year has been full of setbacks and tough moments, but I’m holding on for my family. Any support you can offer—whether it’s a donation or simply sharing our story—would mean the world to us. Thank you for taking the time to read about our journey and for helping us get through this incredibly hard time.