Help My Dad Recover Without the Weight of Financial Worry
On Sunday, our family received a devastating call—my dad had been rushed to the emergency room with extreme abdominal pain. What we thought might be something minor turned into something life-threatening. He was diagnosed with a massive abdominal infection and what is likely a serious case of colon cancer.
By Tuesday, he was in surgery—a long, complicated operation—and we are still uncertain about the full extent of what happened. What we do know is that the road ahead will be long and difficult, and my dad will need time, care, and rest to recover.
My dad is a truly special and beautiful soul. He has spent his life showing up for people that the world often forgets. He currently lives in a home where he provides shelter and community to people many would call “unhousable.” He’s built a life centered around love, generosity, and service.
If he had a million dollars, he’d give it all away. He’d give you the shirt off his back. That’s who he is.
Right now, as I sit beside him in his hospital bed, he’s in pain, fighting to heal—and yet he’s worrying about rent. He’s behind on bills. After a lifetime of just barely scraping by, I am heartbroken that he still carries the stress of survival when what he really needs is rest and peace.
I’m creating this fundraiser to ask for help on his behalf. We’re hoping to raise enough to cover his rent for the coming months and relieve the pressure of his overdue bills—just enough so he can breathe. So he can focus on staying alive. So he can be with his family without the crushing anxiety of how to make it through the end of the month.
If you’ve ever known someone who gives everything they have to others, then you know the kind of man my dad is. Now, we’re asking the world to give just a little something back to him.
Thank you for reading, for caring, and for supporting us during this time.
With so much gratitude,
Alison and the rest of Davids children Heidi, Vanessa, Aiko, Alisa, Laura, Elizabeth, James, Natasha, and Andrew.