Free HeartsFoundation
Help Samuel fight AMC — a single father asking for help — photo 1
Help Samuel fight AMC — a single father asking for help — photo 2
Health Verified campaign Urgent

Help Samuel fight AMC — a single father asking for help

Columbus, Ohio, United States Created Aug 6, 2026 23 days left
$1,976of $5,000
40% funded 45 donors 23 days left
What your gift does right now

Pays for a full week of therapy plus the transport to get him there. This is the treatment window his doctors say cannot wait.

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Organized by
Daniela Mercer
Columbus, Ohio, United States · Member since August 2026
Beneficiary
Samuel MercerOrganizer's nephew — son of her brother Daniel

Their story — in their own words

My name is Daniela. I'm Samuel's aunt, and I'm writing this for my brother Daniel — Samuel's dad and his only parent. He works day and night for this boy, so I'm the one asking for help on his behalf.

Samuel was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) — a condition that stiffens and locks his joints and keeps his muscles from developing the way they should. From his very first day, his little body has had to fight for every movement other children make without thinking.

His mother left when the diagnosis got hard. Since then it's been just the two of us. I work every hour I can, and every dollar goes to Samuel — his specialist appointments, his physical therapy, his braces and splints, the helmet that protects his head, the adapted equipment he needs just to sit, sleep and grow safely.

I am not ashamed to say it: I cannot do this alone anymore. AMC doesn't pause. Every month without therapy, Samuel's joints stiffen a little more, and some of that loss is permanent. The doctors are clear — consistent treatment now is the difference between a boy who learns to move, stand and one day walk with support, and a boy whose body closes in on him while we wait.

We are raising $5,000 to cover Samuel's essential treatment: weekly physical therapy sessions, orthopedic follow-ups, new splints and braces as he grows, and the transport to get him to every single appointment. Nothing extra. Nothing wasted. Every dollar goes directly to his care.

If you've ever watched someone you love struggle and felt helpless, you know what my days feel like. Samuel smiles through all of it — through the pain, the exercises, the long drives. He doesn't know we're behind on bills. He just knows his dad is there. I want to keep being able to say that.

🙏 Every donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to the treatment Samuel needs this month. If you cannot donate, please share this fundraiser — it could reach someone who can change this little boy's future.

💙 Please stand with Samuel. And if you can, stand with a father who refuses to give up on his son.

People already stepping up

45
Top donation
Owen Delgado$500
38 min ago
Most recent
Andre Wilkins$30
4 min ago
  • A
    Andre Wilkins$30
    4 min ago
    "Cheering you on from across the country."
  • P
    Priya Shah$20
    12 min ago
    "This story stopped my scroll — happy to help."
  • O
    Owen Delgado$500
    38 min ago
  • N
    Naomi Mercer$250
    1h ago
    "Sending love from Ohio."
  • M
    Marcus Reyes$100
    3h ago
    "Wish I could give more. Praying for a good outcome."
  • A
    Anonymous$50
    5h ago

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