YouTuber Brandon Buckingham has shared a distressing health update from his hospital bed, revealing that he is suffering from multiple organ failure. The 30-year-old, known for his documentary-style videos, posted an emotional video on Saturday, writing: “I almost died and I need your help.”
Buckingham told his followers that he was rushed to hospital after waking up completely deaf with no memory of where he was. Doctors have diagnosed him with acute systolic heart failure, kidney failure, and liver failure, though the cause remains unknown. “The bad news is my heart is still failing, and my lungs, liver and kidneys are all still in very rough shape,” he wrote, adding that only about 15 to 20% of his heart is functioning.
The influencer, who has over 1.2 million YouTube subscribers, expressed concern for his wife and 11-month-old baby, saying he is unsure if he will survive. He noted that recovery would require at least two to four months of bedrest after leaving hospital, and that he has accumulated over $100,000 in medical debt. He may need to take heart medication for the rest of his life.
Buckingham has set up a GoFundMe page to help support his family during this difficult time. As of Sunday afternoon, the fundraiser had raised over $230,000. He thanked fans for their kind messages and support.
