My birthday is coming up, but this year is a little different. I’m about to have hernia surgery, and while I’m grateful for the care I’ll receive, it means I’ll be out of work for at least two weeks. On top of that, my family and I have just gotten over a tough bout of influenza. The illness forced us to miss work and dip into the savings we had set aside to get us through my recovery time. Now, with my surgery right around the corner, things are feeling especially tight financially.

I’m reaching out to ask for help—not just for myself, but for my family. Donations will go directly toward covering our bills and living expenses while I’m unable to work. Taking away the stress of the bills would be the best possible present for my birthday this year, and it would mean my wife doesn’t have to carry the extra burden while I recover. She already does so much for our family, and I want to make sure she can focus on what matters most.

I appreciate and love you all, and please don’t feel obligated to send anything at all. Even just a note, a phone call, or stopping by to hang out while I’m home recovering would be amazing. If you do want to help, putting gifts toward our bills would make a world of difference. Thank you for your love and support, no matter what.