John,

I’m Paul Hildwin, and I spent 35 years in prison for a murder I did not commit. For 29 of those years, I was on Florida’s death row.

In 2006, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma — an incurable cancer that swiftly attacks the immune system. During my incarceration, I fought this cruel illness and sent it into remission four times, while also fighting to prove my innocence. Unfortunately, the cancer has now returned for the fifth time, and I am, once again, fighting for my life.

Because of my illness, I’m unable to work to cover my basic living expenses at this time. That’s why I’m reaching out to this incredible community to ask for your support: Will you make a donation to my personal fundraiser to help me cover basic expenses while I receive treatment?

The Innocence Project began working on my case in 2003 and sought new DNA testing. Seven years later, the testing showed not only that my DNA didn’t match the evidence, but that the victim's ex-boyfriend was a direct match.

The Florida Supreme Court finally overturned my conviction in 2014 based on this new evidence and granted me a retrial. But I was forced to sit in a county jail for another six years while my legal team kept up the fight to fully clear my name. Having spent decades fighting for my freedom and my health, I decided I could no longer wait. I was tired of fighting, so I took a plea deal and on March 9, 2020, I walked free at last.

I’ve overcome several hardships and barriers while restarting my life as a free person these past two years. But learning that my cancer had come back earlier this summer was a particularly tough pill to swallow. The doctors told me that in order to beat it once more, I’d need quick and aggressive treatment.

So today, I’m asking the wonderful folks here at the Innocence Project and in this community to help me one more time. If you could chip in, it would mean the world to me. Every donation will help lift a great weight off my shoulders and allow me to receive treatment and rest without having to worry about how I’ll pay my bills.

I won’t lie, being diagnosed with cancer for the fifth time is emotionally and physically exhausting. But I know I can beat this — I can win.

Sincerely,

Paul Hildwin
Released in 2020