Tony King's Rebuilding & Recovery Fund

In June 2021, what began as a minor cut on his left foot, became the gateway for a life-threatening infection that would change Tony King's life forever.

After noticing what he thought was a case of gout, his condition rapidly worsened over the course of just a few days. Tony drove himself to the hospital expecting a simple in-and-out checkup. By the end of that night, Tony was undergoing an emergency amputation of his left leg due to a severe flesh-eating disease. But that was only the beginning of a series of medical crises that would challenge even the strongest of spirits.

Tony's unwavering spirit shined through even before he went into surgery, he prayed for another man that was beside him and continued to do this his entire stay at the hospital.

Tony underwent two surgeries to confirm all traces of the bacteria was removed.

Remarkably, his progress astounded the medical team—his pain levels remained at zero, and his positive attitude never wavered. Within days of the second surgery, Tony was already standing up multiple times and completing various exercises. His determination allowed him to bypass the usual rehabilitation process altogether. Tony was released from the hospital after just a week and a half and began his recovery at his niece’s home.

Adjusting to his new normal, Tony’s rapid progress led to another remarkable achievement—he received a prosthetic leg within six weeks, a feat that fewer than 1% of amputees accomplish, given that the typical wait time is 9 to 12 months.

He was eager to make it back to his church family and to get back involved in the community. He continued spearheading community efforts including arranging food distribution lists for those in need, providing lunch for school staff, training volunteers and collecting backpacks and school supplies for children.

Just two days after delivering backpacks for head start students in Dorchester District 4 at Harleyville Elementary School and three months after his leg amputation, things took a devastating turn. Tony suffered a massive cardiac arrest, from what was discovered to be a blood clot in his lungs, and was rushed to the hospital. Within the next few hours his heart stopped four to five times. The family was informed that he was too sick to run any tests on or to be transferred to another hospital and that they were out of options. A second doctor came in and stated that they were able to get his heart beating again, but couldn’t promise that it would stay that way.

BUT GOD! Tony’s fighting spirit and the prayers of his loved ones pulled him through.

Tony spent several months in the hospital again, followed by a long stay in a nursing facility. However, Tony's battle is far from over. Tony’s home has fallen into severe disrepair. Tony is eager to return home, but the house needs extensive renovations to make it safe, accessible, and livable.

How You Can Make a Difference

We need your help.

Our campaign goal is $50,000 for seed money to help break the ground on a remodel for Tony’s home. This helps us get the project up and running.

Why We Need Your Help & What’s At Stake

Tony’s recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. Despite his challenges, he has maintained a positive attitude and continues to inspire everyone around him. He has begun the long process of rehabilitation, learning to walk with a prosthetic leg and adapting to his new reality. However, the emotional and physical toll of not being able to return to his own home is weighing heavily on him.

The impact of returning to a safe, accessible home cannot be overstated. It will allow Tony to regain a sense of normalcy and independence. Most importantly, it will give him the stability and comfort he needs to continue his recovery and focus on what he loves most—helping others.

Thank you for reading Tony’s story. We appreciate any help or contribution, no matter how big or small! If possible, please share our campaign link on social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) and with your friends. For larger donations, tax deductible contributions or any questions, please contact [email redacted].

FAQ:

Who are we and where are we from?

This campaign is led by Lanetra King, Tony King’s niece, who he has been temporarily staying with during his recovery until he’s able to go back to his home in safe, handicap accessible condition. Our family is from the Givhans community in Ridgeville, SC.

Why is fundraising for Tony necessary now?

With all of his many years of serving others and pouring himself into the community, he continuously helps others before helping himself. He faced personal challenges that led him to focus intensely on his work, sometimes at the expense of his home life, including necessary home repairs.

Over time, the deteriorating living conditions became deadly, allowing harmful bacteria to develop. This ultimately resulted in a flesh-eating disease that led to the amputation of his leg. After being away from his home during his hospital and nursing facility stays as well as his over 36 month recovery, things have gotten worse. Given his current health, Tony now requires a safe, handicap-accessible environment.

How has Tony progressed since his last hospital stay?

Three months after his leg amputation, Tony suffered a life-threatening medical crisis. He was found unconscious in his room and shaking as if experiencing seizures. Paramedics were called, and Tony briefly regained consciousness before losing it again, requiring CPR. His family faced a heart-wrenching decision on whether to continue life-saving measures. Miraculously, Tony's heart kept beating despite his critical state; he was unconscious and on a ventilator in the ICU. His vital signs were unstable, his kidneys sluggish, and doctors warned of potential brain damage due to a lack of oxygen.

Against the odds, Tony regained consciousness the next day, showing signs of brain activity through nonverbal communication. His vital signs gradually stabilized, and he progressed from a ventilator to a BiPAP mask. Although his kidneys struggled and required dialysis, he continued to make progress and was moved out of the ICU. A CT scan revealed a blood bruise and pneumonia in his lungs. However, less than a week later, Tony experienced another setback when a mucus plug blocked his airway, causing his oxygen levels to plummet. He was rushed back to the ICU and once again lost consciousness.

BUT, THE PRAYERS OF THE RIGHTEOUS AVAILETH MUCH!

Tony miraculously woke up the next day, marking the start of a long and challenging recovery. Over three years later, Tony remains a fighter. He had to learn basic body functions all over again that we take for granted including swallowing, talking, sitting up, standing and more. After undergoing extensive therapy and medical care, he can now walk with a walker and aims to walk with a cane.

What is Tony’s plan a year from now?

Tony’s goals are to be back in his home—a place where he can continue to inspire, serve, and live with the dignity and independence he has worked so hard to maintain.