Emily Progin, Content Manager
eprogin@helphopelive.org / 800.642.8399
Release: Immediate
COMMUNITY HELPING LOCAL MAN ACCESS A MIRACLE TRANSPLANT
Given Months to Live, Steve Has New Hope – But Needs Help to Get There
UMATILLA, Fla.—In September, 57-year-old husband and father Charlie “Steve” Bronson received shocking news: he had end-stage liver failure and just months left to live. As the disease slowly robbed him of his independence, Steve was unexpectedly given a chance at new life. To raise funds for a life-saving liver transplant, his community is rallying through a fundraising campaign with the trusted national nonprofit Help Hope Live.
Steve is a faithful family man who loves his son and his wife’s two daughters and four grandchildren—not to mention his two dogs. He enjoys country music, westerns, fishing, hunting, and playing the guitar. Steve’s family has lived in Osceola County for multiple generations.
“He has always been full of charisma and cheer,” explained wife Debora. “He lights up any room he enters. It’s not often you’ll catch him without his cowboy boots and hat.”
Active and independent, Steve experienced a steep decline following his liver disease diagnosis. He uses a walker or wheelchair and must engage in physical therapy regularly at home to prevent muscle deterioration. He is unable to work and requires 24-hour care. From brain fog to a strict diet to chronic pain, Steve’s life has been upended by the diagnosis.
Debora says when they receive the diagnosis, “Steve and I had a long chat with God.” As the months passed, Steve and Debora received the unexpected news that he could qualify for a liver transplant, which would give him his life back. But there was a problem.
Insurance would not cover all the associated expenses, leaving Debora in Steve in dire financial circumstances to bring the gift of life within reach.
That’s why loved ones turned to the trusted medical fundraising nonprofit Help Hope Live. Donations can be made at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/23407/
“We will be on a lifelong journey,” explained Debora. “These thoughts of being able to return to his hobbies, his family, and his trade is so different than end-of-life thoughts and plans.”
Unlike a GoFundMe campaign, donations to Help Hope Live are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be managed by the nonprofit to cover verified medical and related expenses. Help Hope Live verifies medical and financial need for every patient.
In addition to donations, Steve and Debora are grateful for any support from the community on fundraiser ideas and planning. You can reach them via email to help at teambronson37@gmail.com.
“When asked Liver Die, Steve chose to Live!” his Campaign Page shares.
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 $181 million to pay patient expenses. ###
Written by Emily Progin
