If you know G, you know he’s one of the most genuine and loyal people you’ll ever meet.
Despite his rough childhood, he dedicated over 16 years to working with at risk youth who dealt with trauma, addictions, violence, self-harm, and other extremes. It is not an easy path to take but helping kids, mentoring them, and teaching them how to take responsibility for their lives, gave G purpose and fulfillment. Not to mention he was AMAZING at it! He was a Guru for dealing with difficult teens.
A few years back, G wanted to explore his passion of cooking, so we opened a food truck! No joke, he had the best burgers out there. Unfortunately, that was a short-lived adventure, as he soon began to experience health issues that led us to where we are now.
During a trip home to Oregon, G got very sick and was hospitalized for almost 2 weeks. He had osteomyelitis in his foot, and it turned septic. He underwent several surgeries to clear the infection in addition to almost 8 months of extreme antibiotics monitored through home health care. Shortly after getting back to work, G found out he had Charcot Arthropathy in his other foot. This disease is a progressive degenerate condition, collapsing the arch bone and causing deformities and extreme pain. It is not curable. After almost 3 years in various customized medical boots, his foot can now handle wearing a normal shoe using individualized orthotics.
We thought we were out of the woods, but then Covid hit. During Covid, G was hospitalized for over a week, and the disease took its toll on his kidney function. He worked with a nephrologist to improve functionality, but ultimately both of his kidneys failed. Since then, G has had to undergo 3 different fistula surgeries, as well as 3 separate eye surgeries.
After 2 1/2 years on dialysis, and a LOT of hard work from G meeting all of the requirements, we’re thrilled that G has finally been approved for the live kidney transplant list!
G is fundraising to help cover the many out of pocket costs that will come with the transplant. Including, but definitely not limited to, 6 weeks of 24/7 home health care, expensive medications (initial costs could be over $2000 in 1 month), ongoing appointments and treatments, travel expenses for treatments, supportive rehabilitation tools, etc.
The funds gathered here will allow both G and Natalie to provide the necessary resources and focus needed that will give G the best chances for a successful transplant.
This transplant is more than just getting off dialysis and regaining his health; after years of complications and fighting, G will have the opportunity to live again.
Please donate to Help Hope Live in G’s honor today, and ask your friends and family to give, too! We will be planning additional community fundraisers too, so if you’d like to help or have ideas, please contact Natalie (wife) at: [email protected]
Thank you for your generous support!
Family and friends of Guillermo Burgess are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
Guillermo has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
