Inspired Living with Rochelle

Several years ago, I met Brian "Chile" Caneda, while volunteering at a Meals on Wheels Fundraiser in Charleston, SC.  Him and I ended up working together on several occasions, and I was struck by his infectious optimistic spirit and caring nature. It occurred to me that individuals like him are rare: kind souls that work tirelessly to help others with little concern about reciprocation. Recently, I received an email from  him, informing me that he had discovered he had a heart condition, and would be needing a heart transplant. The irony of the situation was blatant, that a man so gentle and good-natured would find himself in such a predicament, yet his nature has not changed, despite the stress he is enduring.

There will be a fundraiser taking place this coming Tuesday, October 5th, to assist in raising funds for Brian's heart transplant. I have copied and pasted some information from Brian's Facebook site for his fundraiser, as well as included a link to his heart transplant profile on the NTAF (National Transplant Assistance Fund.)

Click to go to his Facebook Fundraising Event Page

The information below has been copied from Brain's Fundraising Event Facebook Page, written by Brian's sister, Stephanie Caneda Moseley: 

Our family has begun a fundraising campaign for my brother, Brian “Chile” Caneda, to help cover his medical expenses for a heart transplant. As you may know, Brian has just been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. His doctors have determined that Brian must have a heart transplant in order to survive. So we need your help. 

Brian has lived in Charleston over 25 years. During that time he has been a fixture in the hospitality, food and beverage industry, thoroughly enjoying his interactions with locals and tourists alike. Brian has actively and passionately served his community as a volunteer with a variety of organizations including: the SC Aquarium, Darkness to Light, Pet Helpers, East Cooper Meals on Wheels and the Family Circle Cup Tennis Tournament. Most recently, he has helped Fields to Families harvest produce from vegetable fields on Johns Island to provide food for those in need.

Now Brian needs help himself. The cost of the transplant surgery, of which Brian’s insurance will only pay a fraction, is staggering. Additionally, following the transplant, very expensive anti-rejection drugs are required for the rest of Brian’s life. Due to this financial burden, a fundraising campaign for Brian has been established with the National Transplant Assistance Fund (NTAF). NTAF is a nonprofit organization that has been providing assistance to transplant patients for over 25 years. All tax-deductible donations are disbursed by NTAF for uninsured medical expenses. 

If you are able to assist in Brian's cause, all donations are greatly appreciated! Let's take this opportunity to help someone who has gone to great lengths to help others. If you are located in the Charleston, SC area and interested in donating fundraising items, please contact me at Atlantis0330@aol.com and we will add those items to the silent auction list. Life is too short to take a moment for granted- Brian has shown what an incredible difference just one person with a passion for life and generous spirit can make. I will certainly do my best in replicating his example!


                  Click to go to Brian's NTAF Fundraising Site