Help the Garner family after tragic loss

Our dear friend Aaron is currently hospitalized, battling a rare auto-immune disease called Dermatomyositis. Aaron is a very special human and is loved tremendously by his wife, three children, parents and many friends.

Aaron has an even more rare, MDA-5 variant of the disease, marked by increased risks and complications. It’s not useful to highlight extremes, but there are some realities to accept; Aaron has the most severe and life-threatening type of this disease. The primary difference is the impact on the lungs. Dermatomyositis is very painful, impacting the heart, lungs, muscles, joints and skin. Once symptoms present, they progress rapidly. Aaron is an incredibly strong and positive man. Doctors are doing their best to keep him comfortable. Still, this disease is debilitating for Aaron and the entire family.

Symptoms first exhibited in mid-July. Aaron, a lineman for SDG&E, was placed on “light-duty” work, while the family struggled to obtain answers. In September, his symptoms took a leap and he was admitted to Scripps La Jolla, where finally, a diagnosis was given. Unfortunately, Aaron’s symptoms have escalated.

Currently concern exists that there may already be scarring on the lungs. He is experiencing dyspnea or even hypoxia (medically, this is extreme shortness of breath, failure to get breath, or not getting enough oxygen to the body at a tissue level). Aaron’s O2 levels are around 90-93, but have dropped as low as 80 causing extreme stress on his body and organs. In particular, his heart has been impacted, resulting in AFib (extremely fast and irregular beats, usually more than 400 beats per minute). To assist with his struggles to breath, his lungs are being treated with a variety of respiratory therapies.

Further complicating the issues with his lungs (and oxygen levels) is the development RSV specific pneumonia. This is particularly relevant because Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease, therefore treated with immunosuppressants. However, for his body to fight off the RSV and clear the pneumonia, doctors must pull him off the immunosuppressants. This means Aaron’s symptoms will get more severe before he can get better.

Additionally, his body is in considerable discomfort from fever, headaches, joint pain, muscle stiffness, heat rash, skin sensitivity, and more. These ailments are being treated with, the temporarily paused, immunosuppressants, antibiotics, pain meds, and topical creams.

Aaron will need substantial treatment. It is unknown at this time how long he will need to be hospitalized and how long the family will be fighting this battle.

Those that know Aaron know he is amazing person. He is a devoted husband, a dedicated father, a loving son, and a caring friend. Aaron’s wife, Erica, is by his side as much as possible, but is still trying to balance life for their 3 children, ages 3 to 11, their pets, and all the other needs at home. They do not reside near the hospital and the commute elevates challenges with care for their children and pets. The family will be exposed to increased medical expenses, travel/transportation expenses, childcare and food expenses. They are under considerable emotional anguish while Aaron fights both mentally and physically. Donations to this GoFundMe will help reduce the stress of the daunting financial implications, helping the family place more of their focus and energy with Aaron.