My name is Jessica and I am organizing a fundraiser for my very close friends, Tyler and Cass Van Tunen.
On March 4th, 2025 Tyler was sent to the ER after receiving concerning lab results. At the hospital, Tyler and Cass received the devastating news that Tyler's kidneys were functioning at only 10% and his condition was unstable and serious. Further testing revealed that, for reasons still unknown, Tyler had stage 5 kidney disease and was in acute kidney failure at the age of 28-years-old.
Stage 5 kidney disease, also known as end-stage renal disease, is a life-threatening medical condition. The kidneys are essential for filtering out waste, fluid, and electrolytes from the blood, and for making urine. Stage 5 kidney disease is the most severe form of kidney failure and means that the damage to the kidneys is irreversible. It also means that Tyler will require dialysis and a kidney transplant to survive.
Tyler is scheduled for his first surgery on Tuesday, March 25th. Tyler must have a port surgically implanted in his stomach before beginning peritoneal dialysis. Dialysis is a life-saving treatment that filters waste from the body when the kidneys no longer function properly. Unfortunately, dialysis is not a cure but it will provide the life-saving treatment Tyler needs while he waits for a kidney transplant. Once Tyler completes this surgery, he will be added to a waitlist to receive a donated kidney from a compatible donor.
As you can imagine, their world has turned upside down. Tyler's dialysis treatments will require full-time medical support. Cass has taken a leave from work and is being trained to provide the daily medical care he needs.
The financial impacts are severe. In addition to lost wages, Cass will need to pay $800/month out of pocket to cover her health insurance while caring for Tyler. They must also absorb the cost for additional treatments, travel, and medical equipment. The Van Tunen family is also navigating broad changes to their diet, lifestyle, and way of life. Cass and Tyler would never ask for help, which is why I am asking for them.
Cass and Tyler need to be able to focus on healing and emotional support as they navigate these many challenges. I am pushing to raise at least $20,000 for their family to help cover lost wages, health insurance, and the unplanned expenses that come with this type of medical emergency.
Please consider donating what you can. Everything helps. The money we raise will help them be able to focus on what truly matters - Tyler's health and recovery.
Sincerely,
Jessica Reid