Most of us at The Understudies have known Aaron for quite some time. With our connection to Aaron being mainly through our work together on several productions, we have shared all the ups and downs that come with live theatre in a community setting – the long (but fun) rehearsals, the technical difficulties, the amazing bonds among the cast and crew, and the joy that comes with sharing our time, our talents, and our art with each other and our audiences.

Although Aaron is facing enormous health challenges, he has stayed positive, kept his sense of humor, and remained a faithful friend and fellow thespian. The Understudies is honored to host Aaron’s Halloween Wrap Party to raise funds for his double lung transplant.

*You can read about Aaron’s Journey to a Transplant below.*

We invite you to join us for an evening of fun as we wrap up the spooky season with dinner and dramatic retelling of some of North Carolina’s most mysterious and spine-tingling legends and folklore. With 100% of the proceeds going to help Aaron pay for expenses related to his double lung transplant, this is the perfect way to support Aaron and share his love of theatre with him.

Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. at which time guests may purchase raffle tickets for some amazing prizes to be given away throughout the evening. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m. and includes a choice of spaghetti (with or without meatballs) or veggie lasagna, garlic bread, drink, and dessert. At 6 p.m., raffle sales close, lights dim, and the show begins!

Important Things to Know:

Tickets to Aaron’s Halloween Wrap Party must be purchased in advance.
This is a family friendly event. All ages are welcome!
Even if you can’t attend the event, your donations are still welcome, needed, and greatly appreciated as are your good thoughts and prayers.

*Aaron’s Journey to a Transplant *

Aaron Younce was born in 1999 with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia and was given a 50% chance of survival. After many surgical procedures and interventions, he finally came home to Wilkes after 3 months in the NICU at Brenner Children's Hospital. As a result of his CDH, he was left with severe pulmonary hypertension and a hypoplastic left lung.

Growing up, his abilities were limited, but Aaron always gave his all to live the most normal childhood possible. Over the last few years, his lung function has decreased significantly. He has been on 24/7 oxygen use since Spring of 2023 and was referred to Duke for a lung transplant.

In addition to the surgery itself, the costs associated with a lung transplant are astronomical. Prior to the transplant surgery, several tests must be performed at Duke which require overnight stays in Durham. Given the cost of lodging, fuel prices, and food, the receipts add up quickly. Following the transplant surgery, Aaron will need to remain close to Duke Hospital, which will require him to relocate to Durham for approximately 6 months.

Aaron and his family appreciate any monetary support to help ease the financial struggles they currently face as well as those they will encounter in the coming months.

Ghost Story Dinner Theatre

Benefit Production to Help Aaron Get a New Set of Lungs!