Fundraiser for Dying Father's Move
Donation protected
Hello - If you are taking the time out of your day to read this, then I am already thankful. My name is Steffani, and I'm reaching out to you all in regards to my dad, Rob. I'll try to give as many details as possible while keeping this short. Asking for help is the hardest thing to do. It’s hard for me to be so transparent and to have something like this out there in public, but I’m at my wits end and sincerely need help. I pray that you read with an open heart…
My dad, 63, is a Vietnam Navy Vet living in Milwaukee, WI, and has been a hardworking truck driver his whole life, right up until he retired 2 years ago. He has always been an energetic (sometimes overly energetic) person and very independent. Since my mom wasn't available during my adult life, my dad has been the only one to be my sounding board, my friend, my parent, and someone who truly has my back. Since I don't have a mother, I am thankful and grateful to have my dad.
Five years ago, back when my dad was working full time, in great health, great shape and had full independence, I decided to pursue my dream of moving to Florida. He said he'd love to visit, but his love of snow would keep him in Milwaukee. Just for the sake of brining you up to date, I currently live in North Carolina, and my daughter, 22, stayed back in Florida to be with her fiancée.
During the last couple of years his health had started to decline rapidly. He was even diagnosed with diabetes, which was a shock to us since he's always been a healthy weight and healthy eater. He went from being energetic to slow moving, and a little more helpless as time moved on. My dad and I were concerned about the drastic change, but along with his doctors, we just assumed this was due to his diabetes as well as being newly retired (not as active on a daily basis).
In November 2016, my dad completely collapsed at his apartment. Luckily enough, he had his cell phone in his pocket and was able to call 911. After many tests, he was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, stage 4, having around 13 tumors. At that time, he was told he had 9 months to live, give or take a few months, with no possibility for a cure. The doctor told him that there is one treatment called Arterial Chemotherapy Infusion that could perhaps prolong his life up to 2 years, but it was a 50/50 chance. This treatment could prolong his life, or make it worse. The one bright side to the financial aspect of things is that he will not receive one medical bill since he is covered though the VA system. Thank God for that. Against my better judgement, he went for the treatment, and turns out I was right in being against it.
Before my dad was diagnosed, I knew that I would be moving back to Florida. I enjoyed my time here in North Carolina, and made some pretty solid friendships, but I miss living in my daughter’s back yard, and of course miss the sunshine and beach. After my lease went up in my apartment, I moved in with a friend and thought I had a few months to save up for the cost of the move: moving truck, rent deposit and first month’s rent. But then after my dad’s diagnoses, he and I both decided that he needs to move in with me. I need to be there to help take care of him while he’s still semi-independent; but most importantly, he needs to be near his family during a time like this. He’s all alone in Milwaukee with no one to help him while he’s at home. This kills me that I can’t be there for him when he needs me the most. I can’t let him die alone!
I talked to my dad’s nurse today (Feb 15) and she said that his health is declining fast, and has a short window as to when he is healthy enough for such a move. This means financially we are more crunched for time. Instead of me being able to stay with my friend in NC, (who is not charging me rent) to save up for moving expenses over a period of a few months, I now find myself with mere weeks to come up with the money. His nurse said that it is a great idea all around for him to move to Florida. The weather ideal for someone with a lower immune system. Also, it would not only improve is quality of life, living with me and being near his family could prolong his life. Instead of sitting in his cold apartment, alone, the love of a family and sunshine would greatly improve his quality of life.
The funds would be used for the moving truck, plane tickets, deposit on an apartment/rental home, and first month’s rent. I plan on flying up to Milwaukee from FL, packing up his moving truck, and putting him on the plane for Florida, while I drive his moving truck down. He’s not healthy enough to withstand a 2 or 3-day drive in a rental truck. I’d rather him be comfortable on a 2-hour flight.
I never thought I would do something like this, asking for financial help from friends and possibly strangers, but I am desperate. Even if you give just $5 and perhaps skipping your Starbucks coffee, or maybe skip dining out one week, ANYTHING would help! And if you can’t give, that’s okay as you can still help. Prayer is a very powerful thing, and I ask you to take 2 seconds out of your day to say a sincere prayer. Perhaps pass this along to anyone you can think of that would help or pray. I sincerely thank each one of you for taking the time to read this, and thank you in advance for your help. God bless!
My dad, 63, is a Vietnam Navy Vet living in Milwaukee, WI, and has been a hardworking truck driver his whole life, right up until he retired 2 years ago. He has always been an energetic (sometimes overly energetic) person and very independent. Since my mom wasn't available during my adult life, my dad has been the only one to be my sounding board, my friend, my parent, and someone who truly has my back. Since I don't have a mother, I am thankful and grateful to have my dad.
Five years ago, back when my dad was working full time, in great health, great shape and had full independence, I decided to pursue my dream of moving to Florida. He said he'd love to visit, but his love of snow would keep him in Milwaukee. Just for the sake of brining you up to date, I currently live in North Carolina, and my daughter, 22, stayed back in Florida to be with her fiancée.
During the last couple of years his health had started to decline rapidly. He was even diagnosed with diabetes, which was a shock to us since he's always been a healthy weight and healthy eater. He went from being energetic to slow moving, and a little more helpless as time moved on. My dad and I were concerned about the drastic change, but along with his doctors, we just assumed this was due to his diabetes as well as being newly retired (not as active on a daily basis).
In November 2016, my dad completely collapsed at his apartment. Luckily enough, he had his cell phone in his pocket and was able to call 911. After many tests, he was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, stage 4, having around 13 tumors. At that time, he was told he had 9 months to live, give or take a few months, with no possibility for a cure. The doctor told him that there is one treatment called Arterial Chemotherapy Infusion that could perhaps prolong his life up to 2 years, but it was a 50/50 chance. This treatment could prolong his life, or make it worse. The one bright side to the financial aspect of things is that he will not receive one medical bill since he is covered though the VA system. Thank God for that. Against my better judgement, he went for the treatment, and turns out I was right in being against it.
Before my dad was diagnosed, I knew that I would be moving back to Florida. I enjoyed my time here in North Carolina, and made some pretty solid friendships, but I miss living in my daughter’s back yard, and of course miss the sunshine and beach. After my lease went up in my apartment, I moved in with a friend and thought I had a few months to save up for the cost of the move: moving truck, rent deposit and first month’s rent. But then after my dad’s diagnoses, he and I both decided that he needs to move in with me. I need to be there to help take care of him while he’s still semi-independent; but most importantly, he needs to be near his family during a time like this. He’s all alone in Milwaukee with no one to help him while he’s at home. This kills me that I can’t be there for him when he needs me the most. I can’t let him die alone!
I talked to my dad’s nurse today (Feb 15) and she said that his health is declining fast, and has a short window as to when he is healthy enough for such a move. This means financially we are more crunched for time. Instead of me being able to stay with my friend in NC, (who is not charging me rent) to save up for moving expenses over a period of a few months, I now find myself with mere weeks to come up with the money. His nurse said that it is a great idea all around for him to move to Florida. The weather ideal for someone with a lower immune system. Also, it would not only improve is quality of life, living with me and being near his family could prolong his life. Instead of sitting in his cold apartment, alone, the love of a family and sunshine would greatly improve his quality of life.
The funds would be used for the moving truck, plane tickets, deposit on an apartment/rental home, and first month’s rent. I plan on flying up to Milwaukee from FL, packing up his moving truck, and putting him on the plane for Florida, while I drive his moving truck down. He’s not healthy enough to withstand a 2 or 3-day drive in a rental truck. I’d rather him be comfortable on a 2-hour flight.
I never thought I would do something like this, asking for financial help from friends and possibly strangers, but I am desperate. Even if you give just $5 and perhaps skipping your Starbucks coffee, or maybe skip dining out one week, ANYTHING would help! And if you can’t give, that’s okay as you can still help. Prayer is a very powerful thing, and I ask you to take 2 seconds out of your day to say a sincere prayer. Perhaps pass this along to anyone you can think of that would help or pray. I sincerely thank each one of you for taking the time to read this, and thank you in advance for your help. God bless!
Organizer
Steffani Jessop
Organizer
High Point, NC