Emily Progin, Content Manager
[email protected] / 800.642.8399
Release: Immediate
$1,000+ RAISED TO HELP MEDICALLY FRAGILE 15-YEAR-OLD
“Dayton Is Dying…He Deserves the Chance to Live.”
At just 15 years old, Dayton Premeaux has already faced more medical challenges than most people experience in a lifetime. The teen is living with multiple rare diagnoses that have created a nightmare of daily symptoms, medical obstacles, and financial challenges for his loving and devoted family.
Through the nonprofit Help Hope Live, his family is fundraising for the extensive and urgent out-of-pocket costs associated with his care. $1,000 has already been raised towards their initial $35,000 goal.
“My name is Whitney, and I am writing this as a desperate mother.” That’s how Whitney Bledsoe opens her letter to the community about her beloved son.
15-year-old Dayton’s medically fragile state leads to daily obstacles for him and his family, from relentless pain to the inability to communicate his own discomfort verbally. Facing the overwhelming costs associated with his care, which insurance doesn’t fully cover, Whitney and Dayton’s father, Austin Premeaux, turned to their community for help.
They mobilized that cause through the trusted national nonprofit Help Hope Live. In less than a month, the community has responded to their cries for help with over $1,000 donated so far at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/26211/
Despite Dayton’s immense medical challenges, Whitney says, “he is still showing us glimpses of his beautiful spirit through music, water play, and rare moments of peace.”
Whitney has become a warrior for her son’s care and wellbeing. “We’re fighting a broken system,” she explained. “While agencies debate, we are running out of time.”
The road has been physically and financially fraught for Dayton’s family. Dad Austin was a delivery driver and offshore fisherman who was laid off after Dayton’s health required intensive care and frequent hospital visits.
The family has relocated 3 times to find qualified help for Dayton. First, to New Braunfels. Second, back to dad Austin’s hometown of Biloxi. Finally, to Jackson. “We have searched coast-to-coast for specialized treatment,” mom explained. “Every state has different policies and programs, so we have to keep moving to find the care and support he needs.”
On September 9, Whitney shared the exciting news that their efforts had paid off, connecting with a caring physician who is committing to Dayton’s future health: “He is everything I had hoped and prayed for in a physician.”
Fundraising is the key link enabling a brighter, healthier future—for Dayton and his entire family. Daily expenses insurance doesn’t cover include parking, meals, medical lodging for treatment, and caregiving on top of regular household bills.
Unlike a GoFundMe campaign, donations to Help Hope Live are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be administered by the nonprofit to cover verified medical and related expenses. Help Hope Live verifies medical and financial need for every patient.
Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $193 million to pay patient expenses, assisting more than 25,000 patient families. ###
