Help Our Dad Walk Again

Help Our Dad Walk Again

Hi, our names are Dylan, Grace, and Zach, and we’re reaching out on behalf of our dad—someone who means the world to us and to so many others whose lives he’s touched with his humor, charm, and unbreakable spirit.

Our father suffers from a severe form of a condition called Chiari Malformation, a neurological disorder where parts of the brain press into the spinal canal, impacting his entire nervous system. For most of his adult life, he dealt with relatively minor effects from this disorder. However, in early March 2020, he woke up completely unable to move his legs. At the height of the pandemic, our father went to the hospital and ended up staying there for over two months. During this time, he received the first of many major surgeries, including a laminectomy on C1–3 and a craniectomy, in an attempt to relieve the built-up pressure around his spinal cord. Sadly, these procedures did not alleviate his symptoms. Shortly after, our father was legally declared a quadriplegic.

Despite undergoing multiple major surgeries over the past few years—including the most recent one in October 2023 that nearly killed him—he still has extremely limited use of his legs, arms and hands. He needs help with every basic daily function: eating, bathing, using the bathroom, and even turning over in bed.

And yet—he remains endlessly optimistic.

Our dad is one of the most positive, determined people we’ve ever known. He was a self-made entrepreneur and passionate photographer who built a full life through hustle, humor, and heart. He raised three children and still manages to uplift us to this day—cracking jokes, offering encouragement, and never losing sight of what’s possible.

He has defied every expectation. After his last surgery in October 2023, he was told he would never breathe on his own again. He proved them wrong. Then, they said he would never stand again. Recently, after months of physical therapy, he stood—with assistance—for over six minutes. A new personal record.

And just two weeks ago, we received the most encouraging news he’s had in years. New CAT scans revealed that his nervous system is fully intact, and his spinal fluid is flowing properly. This confirmed what we’d always hoped: his lack of mobility is no longer due to nerve damage, but rather a musculoskeletal issue—which means that with the right rehabilitation, it can be corrected.

He is closer to recovery now than he has ever been.

That’s why we’re starting this fundraiser. His state insurance only provides sporadic physical therapy, with months-long gaps in between. That isn’t enough. We believe that with consistent, daily PT and proper care, he can keep progressing—possibly even regain independent movement. But without help, the window of opportunity could close again. We need to act now, while his body is ready to respond.

Our goal is to raise $20,000, which will go directly toward:

Daily physical therapy

A full-time caretaker

Medical equipment and mobility aids

Travel to specialists and rehab facilities

Currently, our dad lives in a two-bedroom apartment with his former caretaker and her family, who generously house and help him when they can. Dylan supports from abroad, and Zach and Grace, who live nearby, help however they’re able. While we all do what we can, the day-to-day demands have simply grown beyond what we can manage alone. That’s where you come in.

If you’ve ever known someone who kept smiling through the darkest storms—or if you simply believe in second chances—please consider donating. Every bit helps. Even $10 or sharing this page could make a difference in getting him one step closer—literally and figuratively—back on his feet.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

With love and hope,

Dylan, Grace, and Zach

(Children of a damn good man)