Hi everyone!

My name is Nate Smith, and I am reaching out to share my journey with you. It's a story of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of a dream!

In 2014, I faced a life-changing moment when I survived a sudden cardiac arrest while working out at the gym. In the years following this experience, I've been inspired to dedicate my life to helping others by pursuing a career in the medical field. Today, I stand before you with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to fulfill my dream of becoming a Physician Assistant (PA). But like most things in life, I can't do it alone.

Background:

The moment that my heart stopped was the moment my life truly began. One day, while attempting a seemingly ordinary workout at LA Fitness, I felt abnormally weak and exhausted. In my macho early 20s mindset, I decided to get off the Stairmaster and "walk it off", when I realized this feeling was quite unusual. As I stumbled through the gym, fighting to regain my senses, I eventually collapsed. A few guardian angel bystanders rushed to my aid - calling 911, starting CPR, and shocking my heart with the AED. Thanks to their immediate action, I was rushed to George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) where I spent several days in a coma in the ICU, and 3 weeks in total recovering from the experience. As my condition improved, I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the care and support I received during such a catastrophic moment.

This experience ignited a new sense of purpose within me—a burning desire to pay forward the compassion and expertise that saved my life. I began to realize that I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, where I could make a similarly meaningful difference in the lives of others. After careful consideration, I set my sights on becoming a Physician Assistant—a role that will allow me to provide hands-on care, build lasting relationships with patients, and accomplish my goal of paying forward the compassion and expertise that saved my own life.

Journey to PA School:

Since that day at LA Fitness, I've been on a journey of self-discovery and academic pursuit. I've dedicated countless hours to studying, volunteering, and gaining experience in various healthcare settings. In full-circle fashion, I became a nationally certified EMT and even went back to GWUH, but this time employed as an Anesthesia Technician, not as a patient. Additionally, I have volunteered on 6 medical mission trips to rural Honduras with the Virginia Hospital Center Medical Brigade. Each step has brought me closer to my goal of becoming a PA, and in December, I finally received an offer to attend Morehouse School of Medicine as a member of the 2026 PA class! But there's still a significant hurdle to overcome — the price.

Why I Need Your Support:

As I embark on this next chapter of my journey, I am faced with the challenging reality of the financial burden associated with PA school. Tuition, books, living expenses, and medical equipment costs add up quickly, creating a barrier that threatens to impede my goals. Despite working full-time, applying for financial aid, and applying for scholarships, the expenses remain more than I can manage on my own.

This is where I hope to lean on my network. Your support can make all the difference in helping me achieve my goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. By contributing to this fundraiser, you are not only investing in my future but also the countless lives I hope to impact through my compassionate and competent healthcare.

How Your Donation Will Help:

Your donations will help cover the cost of tuition, textbooks, mandatory medical equipment such as a stethoscope, otoscope, and ophthalmoscope, and the living expenses associated with graduate school. The exact itemization of program expenses can be seen below:

Tuition: Year 1 = $45,006, Year 2 = $34,965

"Mandatory Program Fees":

Registration: Year 1 = $200, Year 2= $200

Health Insurance: Year 1 = 3,944, Year 2 = 3,944

Life/Disability Insurance: Year 1 = $61, Year 2 = $61

Fitness Center Fee: Year 1 only = $420

Technology: Year 1 only = $2,322

Library: Year 1 = $150, Year 2 = $150

Student Activity: Year 1 = $250, Year 2 = $250

Graduation: Year 2 only = $150

Criminal Background Check: Year 1 = $113, Year 2 = $113

Health Services: Year 1 = $400, Year 2 = $400

Grady Hospital Student Credentialing Fee: Year 1 = $50, Year 2 = $50

Parking: Year 1 = $480, Year 2 = $170

Program Fees: Year 1 = $910, Year 2 = $910

PACKRAT: Year 1 = $45, Year 2 = $45

Instructional Fees: Year 1 = $1339, Year 2 = $1339

"Additional Program Costs":

Medical Equipment: Year 1 = $900

Uniforms: Year 1 = $50

Books: Year 1 = $600

Professional Memberships: Year 1 = $75

PANCE Exam Program Fees: Year 2 only = $475

Tuition + Fees + Additional Costs:

Year 1 = $57,315, Year 2 = $43,222

Total = $100,537

In Conclusion:

The blessing of surviving the cardiac arrest was a seminal moment for me—a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of pursuing one's passions. Despite the challenges I have faced, including being denied to PA school twice, I refuse to let adversity restrain my drive to realize my potential, share my gifts, and support my community. With your generosity and support of my journey, I am confident that I can overcome any obstacles ahead.

If you have made it this far, THANK YOU for taking the time to read my story and please consider supporting my fundraiser! Together, we can turn dreams into reality and set an example to encourage others to reach for their dreams as well. Every donation, no matter how big or small, brings me one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a Physician Assistant.

With sincere gratitude,

Nate Aaron Smith III