YouTuber Brandon Buckingham says he’s “afraid he’s going to die” after being hospitalized with multiple organ failures, as MrBeast and thousands of fans have helped push his medical fundraiser past $300,000.
Brandon, known for documentary-style content and man-on-the-street videos, has spent months dealing with serious health problems. On November 21, he revealed he had been admitted to the ICU, explaining that his heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys were all in critical condition and doctors were struggling to stabilize him.
A day later, he said he “almost died” during treatment and that specialists were battling several overlapping issues. He told fans that doctors initially suspected tuberculosis alongside pneumonia and sepsis, before ruling TB out. While some infections were improving, his heart and multiple organs remained in severe distress.
Brandon Buckingham breaks down amid heart failure: “I just want to not be dead”
Speaking to People, Brandon said he’s terrified about the uncertainty ahead and that he cannot leave the ICU until his heart shows signs of recovery. He also broke down discussing his 11-month-old daughter, admitting he fears not surviving long enough to go home.
“I’m really afraid I’m going to die,” he said through tears. “I’m afraid of what’s going to happen. I have an 11-month-old daughter. I just want to not be dead.”
To support his wife and baby, Brandon launched a GoFundMe for medical and living costs while he recovers. The campaign quickly blew past its original $75,000 goal, soaring to over $307,000 at the time of writing.
MrBeast stepped in with a $10,000 donation, writing that no one in a hospital at their lowest point should have to worry about money. Other creators, including JiDion, Tommy G, Mams Taylor, and a donor listed as Jonathan Davis – possibly the Korn frontman – contributed at least $1,000 each. Over 9,000 supporters have joined in.
Brandon Buckingham shares major health update after raising over $300K
Brandon told People he’s overwhelmed by the response and called the outpouring of support “humbling,” saying it’s given him hope during the scariest moment of his life.
In a newer update posted directly to the GoFundMe, the YouTube star shared that his liver and kidney numbers are improving and scans show early signs of progress in his lungs. However, his heart remains unstable, keeping him in the ICU as doctors test medications to try to get it functioning normally again.
“I feel very humbled and grateful that so many of you care. I hope you know how much i appreciate each and every one of you… my liver and kidneys have continued improving, and my lungs appear to show positive signs of improvement. Unfortunately, despite those positives my heart is still failing.”
He ended the update by saying he feels “incredibly blessed” despite everything and will only post again once he has genuinely positive news about his heart.
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. I love you all.”
