JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville community is rallying behind a local father who lost his wife just one day after she delivered their sixth baby, who was born premature at just 29 weeks.
Aaron Spaulding, 31, who currently lives in Jacksonville but plans to relocate to Gainesville, faces the challenge of raising six children alone while coordinating care for his hospitalized newborn.
His wife passed away on Nov. 17 at age 32 from sudden medical complications following the emergency C-section delivery the day before.
“God is giving him strength, but strength does not erase practical needs,” said Adam Dragoon, a longtime friend from Spaulding’s church community who initiated the GoFundMe campaign to help with ongoing expenses.
Community members have already stepped up with immediate assistance. Some have covered funeral expenses, helped with rent and car payments, and donated burial plots.
However, long-term financial challenges remain as Spaulding adapts to life as a single father.
Spaulding tells News4JAX his newborn is doing better day by day but remains hospitalized.
Meanwhile, Spaulding is working to balance his job responsibilities with caring for his other children while grieving the unexpected loss of his wife.
The GoFundMe says his employer has offered support during this transition, but the family faces significant ongoing expenses as they prepare to relocate to Gainesville to be closer to supportive in-laws.
The GoFundMe campaign aims to provide financial stability for the family during this challenging period. Donations will help Aaron focus on his children’s needs and the family’s healing process without the added burden of financial stress.
“Thank you for standing with Aaron and his children during the hardest season of their lives,” Dragoon wrote.
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