Hi everyone,

I don’t really know how to start this because I never thought my life would look like this.

Four years ago, I lost all of the toes on one foot because of diabetic complications. It broke me. I had to learn how to balance again, how to walk again, how to accept a body that felt different overnight. It was humbling and painful, but I fought my way back.

I told myself that as long as I still had one good foot, I would be okay.

Recently, I developed wounds on my other foot that just wouldn’t heal. I followed instructions. I went to appointments. I did everything I was supposed to do. But it still progressed. And I had to face the unthinkable again.

I have now lost all of the toes on both feet.

There is something deeply emotional about looking down and realizing your body will never be the same again. Walking isn’t natural anymore — it’s careful and slow. Balance isn’t automatic — it’s something I have to think about with every step. Some days I feel strong. Some days I feel scared.

At the same time all of this was happening, I lost stable housing. I am currently staying in a short-term motel while trying to recover from surgery that has completely changed my life. Healing from amputations is hard enough. Doing it without security or stability feels overwhelming.

I’m exhausted. Physically. Emotionally. Financially.

I need help.

I am trying to raise $10,000 to give me a chance to stabilize my housing, cover medical supplies and wound care, pay for transportation to appointments, and simply survive while I heal.

This isn’t easy for me to ask. I’ve always tried to be independent. Losing my toes once was devastating. Losing them on both feet has shaken my confidence and my sense of identity in ways I’m still trying to process.

But I’m still here. I’m still fighting. I still want a future.

If you can help in any way — whether it’s donating or simply sharing this — I would be deeply grateful. Even the smallest act of kindness right now feels enormous to me.

Thank you for reading this and for seeing me in this vulnerable moment.

With humility and hope, Dave