More than $35,000 has been raised via crowdfunding platform GoFundMe for Quinton Aaron, the actor from ‘The Blind Side’ who has been hospitalized due to a blood infection.
The initial appeal for donations of $10,000 was launched by Veterans Aid Network, but the goal was increased to 35,000 after people made generous contributions upon learning of the actor’s condition.
By Tuesday morning, donations had exceeded the platform’s goal, with Alcon Entertainment, the company behind films like “The Blade Runner,” becoming the largest donor with a $10,000 contribution.
The actor, who played Michael Oher in the 2009 film The Blind Side, is currently receiving intensive care in Atlanta, with updates suggesting his condition has stabilized despite the severity of the situation.
Veterans Aid Network said they are a nonprofit organization that helps veterans and their families in crisis. “
Although Quinton is not a veteran himself, he is part of a veteran family. Veterans Aid Network was asked directly by Quinton’s wife to organize and assist with this fundraiser,” the organization said.
Below is the full text of Quinton Aaron’s gofundme appeal:
“Many of you know Quinton Aaron as the gentle giant that Michael Oher brought to life alongside Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side. But those who really know Quinton know something even more powerful than his on-screen performances: his heart
Quinton is one of the nicest, most genuine people you could ever meet. He stands up for others. He encourages, uplifts, and gives freely of his own accord, often without asking for anything in return. Today he needs us to stand up for him.
It read: “Quinton is currently in hospital and on life support due to a serious blood infection. This has been sudden, frightening and overwhelming for his loved ones. As he fights for his life, his family faces an enormous emotional and financial burden: medical bills, living expenses and the uncertainty of how long this road to recovery will last.
“When someone is so seriously ill, life doesn’t stop. Bills don’t stop. The costs keep piling up. And no family should have to choose between focusing on their loved one’s survival and worrying about how they will survive financially.
That’s why we ask for help.
Every donation – regardless of size – goes directly toward supporting Quinton’s medical needs and helping his family stay afloat during this incredibly difficult time. If you’re unable to give, sharing this fundraiser is just as powerful.
Throughout his life, Quinton has inspired others and reminded us that compassion and humanity still matter in this world. Now let’s surround him with that same love as he fights one of the toughest battles of his life.”
