Doug needs a medical bed

As a young man of 16, my father rode his bike 11 miles on a hot summer day to visit his friend at her camp. When he arrived, he ran full tilt for the cool lake. He dove off the end of the dock, hit his head against the shallow bottom, and woke up hours later in the hospital with a broken neck. His doctors warned that he would never walk again, and although they were right, they underestimated his fortitude and determination to live a full life. He earned his bachelor’s degree, started a career, married my mother, built a home, and raised two children. He umpired little-league softball games, coached travel basketball teams, and attended every concert, theatre performance, and sporting event my brother or I performed in. He is a man his friends and family describe as loyal, giving, and a loveable goofball.


Forty five years of sitting in a wheelchair has taken its toll on his physical health. Positioning his body, each fold and crease of clothing, the pressure of the straps, belts, buckles, and metal bars against his 6’3” frame, made a difference measurable in years of life and excruciating pain. For more than 30 years he pushed himself beyond this daily struggle to provide for his family.


In 2010 my father developed a blood infection from severe wounds, nearly ending his life. Today my father’s body cannot withstand more than a few hours of sitting without risking wounds or infection. This necessitates that he spends the majority of his day in bed. Unfortunately, his risk increases with the amount of time spent laying in one position, which is why he has needed a bed specifically designed to evenly distribute pressure and stimulate blood flow. As with all machinery, the bed is breaking down and can no longer be repaired. My father is no longer employed and must rely on SSDI for income. Medicare will not offer him any support toward the purchase of this bed. This is why I am asking for your help.

The total cost of the bed my father needs to sustain his health is $50,000. My family and I would be beyond grateful for any donation you are able to make toward helping us keep our father in good health for as many years as possible.