Richard Paige

Today, I come to you with a plea for help that weighs heavily on my heart. Over the past two decades, I have witnessed Richard's selfless acts of giving, dedicating his time, money, and compassion to those fighting for their lives. It's not just a job for him—it's an intrinsic part of who he is. However, now Richard finds himself in a fight for his own life and is in need of our support.

On April 11th, 2023, despite his desire for privacy, Richard bravely shared his years-long battle with Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which had reached a critical stage requiring a life-saving transplant. The response from friends and family was overwhelming. Many of you stepped forward as potential donors, undergoing compatibility tests, while others eagerly awaited the opportunity to be tested. Finally, on April 28th, USC Keck Medical identified a compatible donor, and Richard and our niece Allie underwent surgery. Allie's remarkable act of selflessness involved donating 60% of her liver to Richard, ultimately saving his life. Both Allie and Richard have been on the road to recovery since the surgery, but Richard's journey is extended due to the lifelong tests and medications required to maintain the gifted liver. While we witness improvements every day, Richard still faces challenges such as persistent abdominal pain, loss of appetite, limited mobility, and more. The doctors assure us that these are normal hurdles on the path to a full recovery, which may take several more months.

During the past two years, Richard's battle against this disease has taken a toll on our lives, placing us in a state of urgent need. He is currently on disability, which provides significantly less income than his regular salary. The mounting medical bills have become overwhelming, and the financial strain is pushing us to the brink. The extensive testing and medical appointments depleted any savings we had, and, although Richard continued working tirelessly until the time of his surgery, we now face the possibility of losing the fruits of his hard work and dedication—the home and life we built together. Richard's pride often prevents him from asking for assistance directly, so I humbly reach out to you on his behalf.

Never could we have imagined finding ourselves in a position where we must seek financial support through social media. Richard has always been the one extending a helping hand to those in need, and it pains me deeply to witness him in this vulnerable state. We understand that times are challenging for many, but with utmost humility, I implore you to consider offering your support. Your contribution, no matter the size, would make an enormous difference in our lives. It would relieve the immediate burden and provide the temporary assistance we need until Richard fully recovers and can return to work.

While I am still working, I cannot bear the weight of our financial responsibilities alone. We firmly believe that this setback is only temporary, and with your help, Richard will overcome these challenges and rebuild his life once more. I humbly ask for your assistance in supporting Richard and our family during this trying time. Furthermore, I kindly request that you share this message on your social platforms to help us reach a broader audience who may be in a position to offer help.

Thank you, and may you be blessed abundantly for your support.