Meet James.

On Friday, June 9th, 2023, James became suddenly ill. His only symptom beforehand was ear pain. They first diagnosed him with an ear infection but less than 12 hours later, James was rushed to the Emergency Room and diagnosed with Streptococcal Meningitis. He is in an induced coma in the ICU. His body is struggling to fight the infection and doctors are doing everything they can. He and his family really need your help.

James is a husband and a father to three wonderful children- all under age 4. He is a son and a brother. He’s a really great friend. And he is a nurse. If you live in Grafton and you’ve ever called 911, there’s a good chance James came to your rescue. If you have ever received medical care at the Columbia St Mary’s emergency room in Mequon, there is a good chance James came to your rescue. James has always been a hero: running towards emergencies, being there for people on their worst days. Today, he needs a hero.

At the time of this illness, James was working as a travel nurse doing short term contracts. As an independent contractor, he did not qualify for disability insurance through his employer. With 3 young children at home, James and his wife Ashley rely on both of their incomes to keep things running. Ashley has continued to work full-time, while caring for their 3 children and traveling hours to Green Bay from the hospital her husband is in. She’s doing this on her own. My friends need your help.

Please- if you can donate cash, that’s what they need most. If you can't, can you donate time to help with laundry? Can you clean their house? Can you watch their kids for a few hours so Ashley can guilt free, visit James or maybe take a little time to herself? Can you drop off meals, diapers, gas cards or provide something else? Will you at least share this with your friends? Please help us help them.