Our family is asking for prayers, support, and financial assistance for Jonathan Smith, lovingly known to many of his family and friends as Jonny or Cashola, who is currently fighting for his life in the ICU.
Jonathan recently suffered a devastating stroke and was found unresponsive by his roommate. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered that his condition was extremely serious and required emergency treatment and brain surgery.
Since then, Jonny has remained on life support while his medical team works tirelessly to stabilize him. He has experienced significant swelling and pressure in his brain and has required additional emergency brain surgery. During his most recent surgery, doctors removed a portion of his skull to give his brain room to swell and relieve the dangerous pressure.
Through all of this, we have seen small signs that give us hope. Jonny has responded to some commands, including moving his right arm when asked. We are grateful for every positive sign, while also understanding that he remains critically ill and there are still many unknowns ahead.
Right now, we are taking things one day at a time and praying that Jonny continues to fight.
We also want to be completely honest and transparent about how donations will be used.
Jonathan is currently unable to work or manage his normal financial responsibilities, and at this time we simply do not know what his long-term medical and recovery needs may be.
Donations may be used to help with Jonathan's medical and recovery-related needs, rehabilitation and future care, necessary living and household expenses while he is unable to work, transportation, and other expenses directly resulting from this medical emergency.
Jonathan's mother is currently in Virginia, thousands of miles away from her son during one of the most critical moments of his life. Our family would also like to help bring her to Hawaii so that she can be here with him. A portion of the donations may therefore be used toward her airfare from Virginia to Hawaii, transportation, meals, lodging if needed, and reasonable expenses while she is here supporting her son.
Because Jonathan's condition is still evolving, we cannot know today exactly what every expense will be. We promise to handle the funds responsibly and use them to support Jonathan and the family needs directly resulting from this medical crisis.
I am Jonathan's former wife and the mother of his children. Although we are no longer married, he is still the father of my children and an important part of our family. Our children, his mother, his family, his friends, and everyone who knows and loves Jonny are hoping and praying for his recovery.
I am organizing this fundraiser because Jonathan is currently unable to do so for himself.
If you are able to donate, no amount is too small, and we are deeply grateful. If you aren't in a position to contribute financially, please consider sharing Jonny's fundraiser with others and keeping him in your thoughts and prayers.
Jonny is still here. He is still fighting. And we are still holding onto hope.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for every prayer, donation, share, message, and act of kindness shown to Jonathan “Jonny/Cashola” Smith and our family during this incredibly difficult time.
