Support Rainier’s Recovery

Rainier recently discovered he had a brain tumor that required emergency surgery. It’s difficult to put into words how devastating and incredibly scary this has been to all those who know Rainier.

Rainier is one of the most selfless, kind, genuine people we have gotten to know. Rainier is a veteran who proudly served his country. After leaving the service, he’s spent much of the last decade working with organizations like CNCAP and Lutheran Family Services to help connect people with job and housing opportunities and to ensure their basic needs were met. He has worked closely with veterans as a peer support specialist doing everything from suicide prevention, buying groceries, taking them to doctor appointments, assisting with car repairs, and generally being there as a friend to chat with. Most recently, Rainier had just begun working as an employment specialist focusing on helping individuals locate job opportunities and preparing them to enter the work force. Unfortunately, Rainier had to leave this position due to debilitating headaches which we now know were caused by the mass on his brain.

Outside of his career serving others, Rainier means so much to so many. He is Melissa’s partner and a father to her children. He is Genie’s loving son. Rainier is our cousin and our friend, but we consider him a brother. He is our nephew who we consider to be a son. Rainier is someone who mails you a card with a $5 bill on your 13th birthday; he’s a guy who shows up on your doorstep 6 hours after your mom dies to give you a hug and let you know he’s there for you; he’ll drive halfway across the country to make an appearance at your wedding just to congratulate you before getting back on the road; and he’s always at the other end of the line just to talk or text and make you laugh with his hilariously dark and sarcastic sense of humor. Rainier is the kind and caring person we all aspire to be.

Initial indications are the surgery went really well, but the road to recovery will be long with many associated costs. Please consider donating to help support Rainier in this fight. No amount is too small, and every donation will go directly to Rainier to cover the expenses that will come with this recovery. If you aren't able to donate at this time, please pass this along to others. Thank you for your generosity!