Unfortunately though, we have a long road ahead of us. Like 47 million Americans, Chad doesn’t have health insurance and finding a facility to perform this costly procedure is going to be a challenge. Chad can’t do it all alone, but he can guide us. I hope we can all take a cue from his resilience, determination and optimism. Let us all fight as hard as he has fought and face each day with half the courage he’s shown. Let’s keep focused on what we can do, what we need to do to ensure that Chad doesn’t become just another casualty of a failing health care system.

In the coming days, weeks and months, we need to share Chad’s story with the rest of the country. We need to find doctors who can advise us. We need to find generous people working in hospitals or affiliated with organizations that may be willing to help. We need friends, family members and good-hearted strangers who are  willing to sift through information and come together as a group to share. We need to build a fortress of community around Chad. Sure, we’re going to need financial resources and generosity at some point, but for now, we just need you. Visit the forums here on the site to share information, insight and stories of hope. Let’s get to know each other and find out what unique thing each of us can contribute to Chad’s cause.

Check back soon for updates.

— Braden