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25-Year-Old Gamer Breaks Down in Tears After Strangers Raise $92K to Support Him as He Awaits Lung Transplant
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After Jerry Fort shared his hopes of playing GTA 6 while awaiting a lung transplant, supporters rallied around the 25-year-old and his family.
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Jerry, a 25-year-old creator known online as Void Only, told followers he was entering the ICU while waiting for a lung transplant
The longtime gamer joked that he “just want[s] to play GTA VI” and hopes to stream the game with his community after his recovery
A GoFundMe started by his parent, Paris, has raised more than $92,000, far surpassing its original $15,000 goal
Jerry has spent years sharing his love of video games online. Now, as the 25-year-old prepares for the biggest fight of his life, he’s holding on to a simple goal for the future: being around to play Grand Theft Auto VI.
The creator, who posts gaming and music content on TikTok as Void Only, recently told his followers that he was heading to the ICU while awaiting a lung transplant. During the video, he included the message, “I just want to play GTA VI.”
“Well, this day was inevitable,” Jerry said while wearing an oxygen tube. “I’m at the end of my ropes. My lungs can’t do it no more. So, I’m going to be in the ICU until I get a lung transplant.”
Jerry has been living with interstitial lung disease since he was 17, according to a GoFundMe created by his parent, Paris. The disease has now progressed to the point that he needs a transplant “for a chance at healing and a future,” Paris wrote.
In his video, Jerry explained that doctors have told him his case is complicated because his lungs are attached to his chest wall, making the operation particularly challenging. Despite the risks ahead, he said he believes he’ll make it through.
“They believe I will make it out the other side — I have hope I will,” he said.
Jerry’s candid update struck a chord far beyond his usual audience. His video received millions of views as strangers filled the comments with encouragement and rallied around his family’s fundraiser.
The GoFundMe, which originally set a $15,000 goal, has since raised more than $92,000. Paris explained on the fundraising page that the money will help the family meet financial requirements associated with the transplant and cover relocation and recovery expenses.
“We will need to relocate away from home for his care, and I will be out of work for six to 12 months while helping him through recovery,” Paris wrote. “Your support will help ease that burden and give my son the opportunity to move forward with the surgery he urgently needs.”
Paris described Jerry as “bright, hardworking, creative, and deeply caring,” adding that he has continued pursuing his interests in music, art and technology throughout years of illness.
“He has always pushed through pain to show up for the people he loves, to create beautiful work, and to keep going with strength and heart,” Paris wrote.
Jerry returned to TikTok after seeing the outpouring of support, and this time, he struggled to hold back tears.
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“I did not expect that much love,” he said. “It’s so many people, so many messages, so many… so many good-hearted people.”
And amid the uncertainty surrounding his transplant and recovery, Jerry already has an idea for what he wants to do when he comes out the other side.
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“We make it out on the other side of this thing, I will be streaming GTA 6 whenever that drops,” he told his followers.
“I will be streaming that,” he added. “That’s going to be our goal as a community.”
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