It only takes a moment for your life to change forever. A 12-year-old boy from Austin, Texas learned that sombering reality in March 2015 when we suddenly collapsed and went into a month-long coma on a regular, Saturday afternoon.
“Gershon woke up and told me he had to go to the bathroom, which was unusual. He went in the bathroom and stood there. Finally he walked back into the doorway and his eyes rolled to the back of his head and a thick liquid fell from the corner of his mouth. He collapsed in my arms. That was the last time I saw Gershon in many ways. By the time Gershon arrived at the hospital, he was already in a coma. The doctors told me they didn’t expect him to make it. I couldn’t believe it,” his mother said.
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Gershon was diagnosed with Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). It affects less than 3,000 people in the US each year.
After his initial collapse, Gershon spent five months in the hospital and underwent seven brain surgeries. He was left immobile and unable to vocally communicate.
Chive Charities heard about Gershon’s story and helped him and his family by purchasing a wheelchair accessible van. After meeting with the 12-year-old, Chive representatives realized that he needed more than mobility assistance; he needed a way to communicate.
The Chivers, made up of generous people from around the globe, gathered together and created a GoFundMe page for Gershon to raise $10,000 for an eye-gaze machine, which will allow him to communicate.
During the organization’s launch party for the 5th grader’s crowdfunding page, they reached the $10K goal in minutes. Five days later, generous donors chipped in more than $37,000 for Gershon’s medical needs.
Gershon’s GoFundMe page is still open. If you’d like to donate, click here.
What is Chive Charities?
Chive Charities is a nonprofit organization that brings attention to individuals and causes that do not have a large public following.
Members of the Chive Nation give monthly donations to help these causes. It also starts up crowdfunding sources to raise money to those in need. The organization has helped more than 80 causes with more than $3.3 million in grants.