Anna Newhoff
NCR Reporter
“Rally for Randall” raises funds for a 13-year-old boy who is battling advanced stage liver disease.
Since birth, Jacksonville’s Randall Green has dealt with a primary immune deficiency called X-linked agammaglobulinemia. The condition leaves his body unable to produce antibodies, making him highly susceptible to infections. He requires monthly immunoglobulin infusions.
But in January 2021, at age 9, Randall’s family realized something else was going on with him.
“We noticed things weren’t right,” said Brittani Green, Randall’s mother. “We asked his doctors to run some additional labs, and when they did, his liver function levels were crazy.”
Since this unimaginable journey began, Randall has dealt with constant extended hospitalizations, a multitude of tests, and procedures for years. Groups of doctors gave it their all to figure out what was wrong with him.
“So that’s kind of how we lived for four and a half years, just not having answers and not knowing what’s going on,” said Green. “We just knew our boy was not okay.”
That changed in July 2024, when Randall was finally diagnosed with stage four liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension. By January, he was in liver failure. Doctors determined he would need not only a liver transplant but also a bone marrow transplant due to his underlying immune condition.
The Green family will relocate to Miami as soon as a liver match is found. Then Randall will begin the transplant process. Doctors estimate the family will remain in Miami for six to eight months for the surgeries and recovery. With parents Brittani and Aaron Green unable to work during that time, the emotional and financial strain is enormous.
Still, the family remains grounded in faith and strengthened by the support of their community.
“You know, I wish I could put it into words because without (the community) I’m not really sure how we would do it,” said Brittani Green.
To help ease the burden, the community is coming together for a “Rally for Randall.” It will be held at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds May 24 from 4-7 p.m. There will be live music, vendors, food trucks, and a cornhole tournament. The fundraiser will help support Randall’s family during their time in Miami. For those who can’t attend and would still like to donate, the family is accepting Cash App or Venmo at $BBGreen1985.
“If you cannot donate, prayers are always appreciated,” said Carolyn Dixon, event organizer and family friend.
The family is in search of vendors and food trucks for the event. Fees are $25 for tent vendors and $60 for food trucks. For more information, contact Dixon at 904-239-9568.
Businesses can also sponsor the event by donating at least $150 for a banner displaying their company’s logo. For more information about sponsoring the event, contact Dixon.
Other events are happening in the area to support the Green family. A car wash and benefit yard sale event will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. at 252 Bowery Lane, Homeland, Ga. On the same day, a cornhole tournament will be held at 16024 Shellcracker Road, Jacksonville, at noon. For more information about upcoming events and Randall’s health, visit Randall’s Journey on Facebook.
Through this trying time, the Green family’s faith has grown, building a closer relationship with God.
“God’s hand has been in this from the beginning. He’s at the front of it, in the middle, and all around it. That’s what keeps us going,” said Green.
This experience has also taught Green how to give it all to God, even the life of her child.
“As parents, we tend to feel like we have to have it all together all the time, for the kids. But it’s OK not to be OK. It’s OK not to have it all figured out,” Green said. “God’s got you and your children, and He’s going to work it out the way He intends.”