***UPDATED

This is for my dad. Wes, Westy, or the Tree Guy as many know him. He had a fatal infection in his knee that traveled into his blood and has been in and out of the hospital fighting it. They had to remove his knee replacement after years of complications with it as a last ditch effort to subside the infection. As he sat in the hospital, with no knee, his options were to attempt a second knee replacement that had a high chance of failing or to get his leg amputated. With the strong urge of the surgeons, he has opted for amputation and his surgery was on 10/13. The surgery went smoothly and he is already in less pain than when he had his leg. It is It’s going to be an extreme mental and physical change for him for which I am asking for help with this transition.

His passion and pure talent for the business he created and has been dedicated to for over 25 years cutting down trees for friends, family, neighbors and strangers in extreme weather or tricky conditions (even after his accident and knee replacement) is coming to an abrupt halt. Without this source of income and bills still ruthlessly coming, he needs help. Insurance will cover the surgery and the cost of a very base model prosthetic. I’m hoping to raise enough so he can comfortably rest and heal after amputation, without the worry of losing his house, his truck, or if he has enough food. And if enough is raised, to get him a more advanced prosthetic so he may be able to climb a tree again, be completely mobile, and even comfortably walk me down the aisle some day.

I was 9 when he got into an accident that has left him in constant pain every single day since and has taken a toll on the rest of his body. I am now 25 and still watching him push through the pain of his leg and knee to continue to climb trees so he can have an income, so he can be be there for me, my brother, my mom, his partner Shelly, or anyone needs him. He is always there to help even though he is constantly hurting and has had many complications as well as near-death experiences from infections, blood clots near his heart and other issues that have come up from his leg. It’s tough, but amputation was the best route for him to take for long-term. I’m asking for help so he can comfortably heal and I no longer have to see my dad in such pain. I’ve watched my dad grow as a human being so much over the years, through the pain and all, it’s time for him to be free from ailments, he’s suffered enough. Please help in any way you can. Thoughts, prayers, a share, a contribution, even some soup or a baked good while he’s recovering… we would appreciate anything. Thank you for hearing me out.