My cousin Nathan (29 years old from Fort Bragg, CA) needs a life-changing liver transplant. He first went into the hospital (UCSF in San Francisco) in October of 2025 when his liver started failing and endured a 6-week stay, during much of which he was in critical condition with doctors working to keep his liver and kidneys stable. He is not yet officially added to the liver transplant list, but he is doing everything in his power to receive the transplant and get his second chance at life.

He does have insurance, but it is not covering all of the expenses that have built up from the initial extended hospital stay, bi-monthly paracentesis procedures and bloodwork, and current expensive medication prescriptions. His husband is working hard to financially support them and their pets, but with Nathan unable to work during this time, the financial strain is becoming overwhelming for them. When the time for the transplant comes, the surgery itself, anti-rejection medications, trips from Fort Bragg to San Francisco, and months of recovery will add to the growing financial burden on him and his support system.

A little bit about Nathan—he has worked in the restaurant industry for many years, and in the last few years, he finally began a career following his passion of working with sick or injured animals. Before his health took a difficult turn, Nathan was working as a veterinary assistant and rehabilitation technician in the town of Mendocino. He is known and loved by many people along the coast for the kindness and care he shows towards both them and their pets when they are in need. Nathan has hopes of continuing along this career path and was just getting started. At 29 years old, he should be working towards his career goals, making memories with his friends, and enjoying his life to the fullest. His friends and family love him so much and want to see him return to a vibrant and joyful life once again, and a liver transplant is a necessary step on that journey.

Many people have asked how they can help Nate get through this, and this is one avenue of support that would have an incredibly positive impact. If you are able, please consider donating—any amount, big or small, will make a difference. And if you are unable, just sharing this page with others and keeping him in your thoughts would mean so much.

Your contribution will go towards:

- Hospital bills

- Medications

- Rent/home bills/food

- Travel costs (~360 mile round trip to the hospital each time)

- Eventual liver transplant surgery + recovery care and medication

Thank you ❤️

(My name is Maddie, and I will be keeping this GoFundMe campaign updated as best I can so you can follow along with Nathan’s journey if you’d like.)