Since I met the H. Family in late September, I have eagerly anticipated sharing their story.

We first connected in late September during our first ever BBQ competition, as we cooked side by side. One of the wonderful aspects of BBQ is the amazing people we encounter and the incredible stories we get to share. I’ll keep my part brief to focus on theirs, but I want to express how blessed we were that Dale and I met your family that day. I truly believe that God brings people together for a purpose. Please take a moment to read their touching story below, and if you feel inspired, please consider making a donation!

Their Story..

In April 2008, Troy and I connected through a dating app. We both knew we wanted to merge our families, having each gone through two divorces and juggling kids while trying to find a date, which was quite the challenge! Our journey began in Rathdrum with our children: Kari (16), Kayla (15), Autumn (15), and Mason (11). Committed to sobriety, we embraced this new chapter in our lives.

As the kids grew older, Autumn returned home on her 17th birthday, radiating joy as she announced, “I’m pregnant!” Keaon entered our world in 2013. Our family continued to expand, and soon we welcomed more grandchildren. In 2018, Ashrieal entered our lives, bringing both joy and the unfortunate diagnosis to her Mom, Autumn of IGA Nephropathy, also known as Berger's disease. Without Ashrieal, we may never have learned about this hereditary autoimmune disease.

This marked the beginning of numerous tests, including a port in her heart for dialysis. We made countless trips to the hospital for pneumonia, fluid around the heart, and sepsis. This challenging disease brought our family closer than we ever thought possible. Autumn’s siblings rallied around her, and they strive to spend time together whenever they can. We love all our children equally and support them, aiming to be the best parents and grandparents we can be.

Currently, Autumn undergoes dialysis three times a week for three and a half hours through a fistula in her arm. This disease has significantly impacted her life; she cannot work but cares for her children independently. We live together, supporting her in raising her kids, knowing that Troy and I may need to step in as caregivers if necessary. Autumn desperately needs a kidney, as her other organs are deteriorating daily.

She is truly an incredible person—a fighter who would do anything for her children. She is funny, witty, and has the biggest heart, always willing to share. She is my baby, and I cherish every moment with her, fully aware that life can change in an instant. When we’re together, it’s pure joy; we focus on the bright side and share lots of laughter and hugs. Ashrieal and Keadon deserve many more beautiful moments with their wonderful mom.

If you feel inclined to learn more about Autumn's story, please read on. A donation link is available on the website:

LINK: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/23681/

If you wish to read more about: HelpHopeLive - please visit: https://helphopelive.org/

For 40 years, Help Hope Live has been showing clients and families how to bring together a network of relatives, friends, and neighbors in fundraising efforts to help cover the cost of uninsured medical expenses. These efforts play a critical role in helping our clients recover and maintain their health and independence.

Since 1983, we have helped thousands of people raise millions of dollars for Help Hope Live to pay a wide range of expenses, including out-of-pocket costs for: medications, durable medical equipment, home health care, wheelchair-accessibility modifications, physical therapy, innovative treatments, medical travel and temporary relocation, even emergency living assistance. Our program has also helped thousands pay it forward and assist others with their medical expenses.

Annually, we help place medical care within reach of about 5,600 families across the nation.