Assistance for Christopher Allen's health and home

Help My Dad Heal — Support for Cancer, Home, and Car Recovery

My name is Cassidy, and I’m writing this on behalf of my dad—a man who has spent his life quietly showing up for everyone around him. He’s the kind of person who carries the weight without complaint, who steps up when others step back. He’s never been one to ask for help. When a fundraiser was once created for him by a former employer, he never shared it with friends or family. Out of pride and quiet grace, he kept his struggles to himself. But the truth is, he deserves help now more than ever—and I’m asking for it on his behalf.

On January 11th, 2025, a water heater in the condo above ours burst, flooding and severely damaging our home. The insurance companies failed us, offering us far less than what was needed to even cover the demolition costs. After four long, stressful months, we were finally able to repair the damage—not with help from insurance, but with money my dad received from selling his late mother’s home. While his siblings used their share for comfort or leisure, my dad used his to put our home back together, quietly making sure we had a safe place to live. During those months of repairs, we lived with exposed fiberglass, open wiring, no floors, and constant reminders of how unstable everything had become—yet he never stopped trying to make it better.

And he did all this while battling Stage 3 esophageal cancer.

He has been fighting this cancer for three years. Through surgeries, treatments, and endless appointments, he has carried the weight of illness, loss, and responsibility on his shoulders with grace. He was a pillar of strength during his mother’s decline, stepping up for the family, and continues to be the rock in our lives—even as his own body wages war against him.

Then, just five days after we finally finished the repairs on our home, disaster struck again. The car we had owned for only 11 months broke down—catastrophically. The engine blew while my dad was inside it. This car was our only way to get him to and from his appointments at the VA hospital in New Haven—an hour away.

Now, as if the strain weren’t enough, we’ve just learned that he needs a biopsy on a new lump on his lung—either a second primary cancer or a metastasis of his existing disease—and we’re awaiting the results.

We were denied a loan to help cover the car repair costs. Despite this setback, my dad managed to put down $1,300 of his own money as a deposit. However, we still need an additional $2,100 to complete the repairs. The financial strain is overwhelming, and the costs associated with his ongoing cancer treatment add to the burden.

My dad is a proud man. He doesn’t like asking for help. So I’m asking for him.

If you can give anything, even just a few dollars, it will go directly toward:

Repairing our only car, so we can get to the VA

Ongoing cancer-related costs and supplies

Helping keep our home stable and safe as he continues his treatment

Even if you can’t donate, please share this. Help us show my dad that there is no shame in receiving the love he so often gives.

Thank you so much for reading and for being part of our support system.

With gratitude,

Cassidy Allen