Our Story
From birth, I have experienced and overcome adversity. I was born premature in Richmond, Va on May 14, 1985.
With
a 50/50% chance of surviving, as you can guess, I made it! Throughout
childhood, you can imagine the usual ridicule of school children,
especially having droopy eyes from premature development upon birth. As a
result I was constantly made fun of for looking "high" or "weird" or
whatever else.
Anyways, it wasn't until July 4, 2005 that i would
experience my greatest adversity, followed by the lingering memories and
financial difficulty. My brother Jeremy and I were in a car accident that took his life--newspaper clip available
here.
Not only was it terrible to lose a brother and a friend but to actually
witness it is beyond explanation. The magnitude of guilt is almost
unbearable sometimes. As a result of this accident, my family and I were
left with a substantial amount of medical bills. We were each
transported from the accident to the hospital via helicopter (med-evac)
which was $15,000--for each of us. Overall, the medical bills were over
$200,000. Insurance paid much of this sum, however, approximately $8,000
of it remained for me to pay.
Six years later, I am still paying for this accident.
The Impact
I need this campaign to be successful for the following reasons:
1. To put my mind at ease: finally paying off hospital bills will allow me to "move on".
2. It will alleviate everyday stress about how I am going to pay my bills.
3. Empower my life with a "fresh start" and financial footing to continue pursuing my artistic career.
4. Release my mother from this financial disaster--she helps pay my bills along with her mother's bills and takes care of her brother's children for whom they have been unable to support (lifelong issues with drugs & alcohol).
What We Need & What You Get
My mother and I, but mostly my mother are paying off a loan of approximately $5,000. Unfortunately, over the years, paperwork for this loan has been moved around and misplaced and the loan has been paid off by my grandfather--essentially we are paying him back. We need generous individuals to pitch in whatever they want to contribute! A dollar goes a long way, especially if word spreads. In the perks section, you will find items that we are offering as incentives. All of these items were designed and created by me, the son, friend, boyfriend, graphic and web designer.
Other Ways You Can Help
Word of mouth is a powerful tool. If you can not afford to help, please please please tell your friends about us! You are not only helping a struggling college graduate, you are helping his mother and grandmother! Facebook and twitter can save the world. One voice CAN make a difference.
