Popular YouTuber Brandon Buckingham, who previously shared a heartbreaking message with fans saying "things are not looking good," has now provided a health update from his hospital bed.
The 30-year-old content creator, known for his documentary-style videos and in-depth interviews, revealed in a video posted from his hospital bed that he is suffering from acute systolic heart failure, kidney failure, and liver failure.
He has launched a GoFundMe campaign for his wife and 11-month-old baby, explaining he’s their sole provider and may not be able to work for months, if he survives.
"My heart is only working at 15 to 20 percent"
Buckingham first alarmed fans when he posted on X: “In the ICU, my heart is failing, my lungs are failing, my liver and kidneys are failing. Things are not looking good my friends. I love you guys.”
Doctors initially suspected tuberculosis, sepsis, or pneumonia, but later ruled out TB. Still, Buckingham says his heart and other organs remain in critical condition.
“Four days ago I woke up not knowing where I was, completely deaf,” he wrote. “My feet were swollen and I was in severe pain. I was rushed to urgent care and eventually the ICU.”
In a follow-up video, the visibly weak content creator spoke from his hospital bed and admitted: “I don’t know what’s going to happen to me… but if I do survive, it will be a very long recovery.”
He says he now faces at least two to four months of bed rest once released from the hospital and anticipates needing heart medication for the rest of his life.
In addition to ongoing health issues, he revealed he’s dealing with over $100,000 in medical debt.
Fans And Fellow Creators Rally Behind YouTuber
Buckingham has more than 1.2 million subscribers and is known for tackling serious topics in his videos.
His appeal struck a chord with fans as within hours of launching his GoFundMe, donations soared past $272,704, far surpassing his original $75,000 goal.
Many have shared supportive messages on the social media platform. YouTuber Mr Beast commented under his video: "I’ll donate $10,000. Someone at their lowest point in a hospital should be worried about their health and not money. Rooting for you."
A fan shared: "Just donated. My heart hurts that you’re going through this. You’re such a bright light in this world and there is so much more ahead for you. I’m here for anything you need."
A second added: "Prayers go out to you and your family, I love watching your videos I’ve been a fan since day 1. You’ll get through all of this."
Buckingham has encouraged those that who can’t donate to simply watch his previous videos.
“I won’t be able to upload new ones for a while. Thank you for all your love and prayers. This has been one of the scariest times of my life," he said.
Here’s hoping for a full and speedy recovery for Buckingham.