Help CrueBear Fight Kidney Failure!

We’re the parents of CrueBear, and your child is never too old to be called by his lifelong nickname! CrueBear loves family, Sunday Funday, his friends, big trucks (& HIS truck), DC trucks, his Harley, his Hot Wheel collection (it’s Huge!), his T-shirt collection, he’s a fanatic for Vans tennis shoes, and he loves bonfires, grilling, and naps! This guy can always fall asleep anywhere (lol)!

Our son has had several life-changing events in his 33 years that molded him into a man today that is loving, thoughtful, laid back, super funny and one of the strongest people we have ever been blessed to have in our lives. Crue isn’t the type of person to complain or constantly talk about his health; instead, we’re positive that most people he knows will not have any idea of the daily pain he continually tries to overcome.

• At age 6, CrueBear was diagnosed with Juvenile Type 1 Diabetes - It's living life with several daily finger sticks, keeping blood sugar logs, measuring food, restricting your diet, seizures, hospitalizations and 911 calls. It’s frightening…!

• By age 25, Crue was diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy - which is nerve damage in your legs and feet. CrueBear has daily burning, numbness, tingling and weakness in his legs.

• By age 27, Crue was diagnosed with Celiac Disease - He suffers from abdominal pain, anemia, chronic fatigue, migraines, vitamin deficiency, dental enamel defects, depression and anxiety, and following a strict gluten-free diet.

• By age 30, CrueBear has had surgery two times in both eyes for Diabetic Retinopathy - Crue still cannot see well after these surgeries and needs new glasses.

• In 2020, Crue broke his left heel; surgery #1 = 3 months with a cast, surgery #2 = 9 months with a cast plus a boot for six weeks.

• Yesterday, Crue was diagnosed with Renal Failure (Stage 5) - End-stage kidney failure, which is fatal without dialysis or a kidney transplant! CrueBear’s loss of kidney function causes daily nausea and vomiting, fatigue and weakness, sleep problems, muscle cramps, painful swelling of his face, feet and ankles, jaundice, and high blood pressure.

Our deepest fears have come to light as our son’s health has continued to decline. Next week he'll have a transplant evaluation in Iowa City - It’s so difficult knowing that CrueBear struggles every day to lead a loving, happy life with his two young boys and his girlfriend and her children. Crue hasn’t been able to work for over 16 months, which means zero income and without employee benefits and state funding! It’s overwhelming.

Crue has persevered through it all with his good nature, kindness, inherited kooky personality, and funny laugh still intact - this is a feat that only a very special person can endure.

As a family the emotional struggle is real, the pain is real, the financial burden is real!

We had to reach out for CrueBear and ask for help from our community! We are establishing this GoFundMe page to help him with his medical bills and anything else needed to help with the financial burden he and his family have been living through, especially these last two years.

With many sincere thanks to all our friends, family, and anyone willing and able to donate, we are incredibly fortunate to have your support. <3