I could not imagine having to let my son down, especially when I've sacrificed everything to give him a chance for a good life. My friend Jeff is in an unthinkable situation, and I hope you'll consider helping him and his boy. I'm sharing his story with you below.

Hello,

My name is Jeff, and I’m a proud single father doing my very best to raise my 15-year-old son. Life has thrown us some unexpected challenges recently and in the past. We lost his older brother (my other son) to drugs and alcohol in 2018.

Growing up, I lost both my parents in a plane crash in 1971 when I was 15. I am 30 years sober and chose as a living to help alcoholics and addicts for 22 years. I have saved lives and want to continue once better. I’m reaching out because temporarily I will be receiving chemo. I have had one surgery removing a tumor on my tonsil. I feel I am needed in this world to continue to fight against the drugs and alcohol epidemic.

Being a single parent is never easy, but I’ve always done my best to make sure my son never goes without love, stability, and opportunity. He’s a bright, kind, and resilient kid, and I’m so proud of the young man he’s becoming. He deserves the world, and I’ve worked hard every day to give him a solid foundation, even when that meant putting my own needs last.

Recently, however, things have become overwhelming. The Drug and Alcohol Rehab business that I own needs my voice at the helm, and I need to take a break while on chemotherapy. The diagnosis is Lymphoma. Despite my best efforts, the financial strain has become overwhelming, and I’m struggling to keep up with the basics—rent, utilities, food, school supplies, and the daily costs of raising a teenager.

This isn’t easy for me to write. But my son is my world, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe, supported, and on the path to a brighter future. That’s why I’m here.