On June 1, 2021, Chad Eric Barnes died unexpectedly at the age of 44 from complications related to sleep apnea. Chad was born in Bedford, Texas on May 13, 1977, to Alice & Earl Barnes. At the time of his death, Chad was residing in Charlotte, North Carolina but lived most of his life in Woodbridge, Virginia. He graduated from Gar-Field High School in 1995 and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Coastal Carolina University. He worked as an analytics consultant.
Chad enjoyed hanging out with his friends, watching sports, talking politics and watching racing. He will deeply be missed by his friends, family and all that knew him.
Chad’s parents and sister, Tara have decided in lieu of flowers, they would like for donations to be made to the American Sleep Apnea Association. Their wish is to help others with sleep apnea gain the knowledge of the condition and to get early treatment for a long, healthy life. Raising awareness about sleep apnea is fundamental in this endeavor.
On August 19, 2020, Bryan Chaney passed away in his sleep due to complications related to Obstructive Sleep Apnea at the age of 25. Bryan was just getting started on his adult life. He was engaged to be married and in the process of purchasing a house when his life was cut short.
Bryan’s Mom and other family members are CPAP users, so when Bryan began to experience fatigue and other symptoms in the Fall of 2019, Bryan and his Mom began to work with medical providers to have him tested and begin treatment for sleep apnea. The process took much longer than anticipated due to his young age. Medical providers were reluctant to provide treatment as it was believed his age was a deterrent for treatment. After much pushing with medical providers, he finally obtained his CPAP machine in early 2020. Bryan was good about using his CPAP machine when he was at his own home, however, his work schedule and life with his fiancé meant that he didn’t always sleep in his own room with his CPAP. He experienced a heart-related incident the night of August 19, 2020 due to complications from his under-treated Sleep Apnea.
Bryan was a devoted son, brother, fiancé, and friend to many. Bryan was a person who could light up a room and he made many friends in his short journey. Many of those friends have shared how Bryan helped to change their lives through his lively spirit, kindness, caring, spirituality, and generosity. The loss of his light in the lives of family and friends was a deep blow. Bryan loved pretty much all sports and get-togethers with family and friends. He always enjoyed playing golf whenever his schedule allowed. To honor his memory and share his caring spirit, Bryan’s family will honor their son’s memory by hosting a memorial golf tournament in Walkersville, MD on May 21, 2021. Proceeds from the event will go directly to the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The work of ASAA coincides with the Chaneys’ hope to expand education about this condition to prevent another family from ever having to experience a loss like this.
Fred’s Fund was created because the Key Family believes that with increased testing, increased awareness and increased treatment, more people that struggle with this condition can live longer and healthier lives. This is how the family wishes to honor Fred’s life. Fred’s Fund was established through the Community Foundation of Texas. More information on this organization, and Fred’s Fund can be found here Fred’s Fund seeks to improve the lives of people struggling with sleep apnea, especially American men with African heritage, to make testing and treatment for sleep apnea easier and more accessible to those in need. Fred’s Fund supports this work through the American Sleep Apnea Association, by supporting the annual Sleeptember Campaign, which will kick off every year (starting in 2020) in tribute to Fredrick Key, on his birthday, September 1st.Fredrick Key was the beloved husband to Ernestine Key (ASAA Board Member) and adoring father to Lena Pearl Key. He peacefully transitioned to heaven in September 2018. Fred was an amazing jazz musician who played the upright bass and enjoyed riding all kinds of bikes, from spin cycles to motorcycles. Those who knew him know that he was a man filled with passion and a lot of love. For several years, Fred went undiagnosed with a disorder called sleep apnea. It was this condition that later led to a massive stroke that he survived for nearly six years before his transition. It is estimated that over 20 million American adults are undiagnosed with sleep apnea today. When untreated, it is often coupled with other serious health conditions like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Loud snoring, daytime fatigue and gasping for air while sleeping are just a few of its symptoms. Meet Ernestine here to learn more about Fred’s life and diagnosis, and the Key Family’s dedication to raising awareness of sleep apnea and its health consequences.
Fredrick Key was the beloved husband to Ernestine Key (ASAA Board Member) and adoring father to Lena Pearl Key. He peacefully transitioned to heaven in September 2018. Fred was an amazing jazz musician who played the upright bass and enjoyed riding all kinds of bikes, from spin cycles to motorcycles. Those who knew him know that he was a man filled with passion and a lot of love.
For several years, Fred went undiagnosed with a disorder called sleep apnea. It was this condition that later led to a massive stroke that he survived for nearly six years before his transition.
It is estimated that over 20 million American adults are undiagnosed with sleep apnea today. When untreated, it is often coupled with other serious health conditions like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, 
In step with honoring the work most important to Dr. Guilleminault, the American Sleep Apnea Association (sleepapnea.org) will continue his passion and vision towards early recognition in pediatrics, multidisciplinary care, as well as searching for a potential cure for pediatric sleep apnea. Your generous donation below will help us honor his memory and extend Dr. Guilleminault’s lifelong work. If you prefer to donate through the gofundme platform, you can do so here.