Hi, my name is Wayne, and I’m reaching out with a humble heart to ask for your help.

I’ve been living with type 2 diabetes for years, and it’s taken a serious toll on my health. I also suffer from painful diabetic neuropathy that affects my mobility and quality of life. Each day is becoming harder, and I know that without a change, my time with the people I love may be cut short.

But I’m not giving up. I still believe I have more life to live and more memories to make.

I’m a proud father of two and recently became a grandfather to a beautiful little girl. She just turned one, and I want nothing more than to be here as she grows—to walk beside her, cheer her on, and be the kind of grandpa she can always count on. That dream is what’s driving me.

After a lot of research and prayer, I’ve found hope in the form of Mini-Gastric Bypass Surgery. While this surgery is often viewed as a weight-loss solution, for me, it’s about something far greater. Studies show it can reverse type 2 diabetes in up to 96% of patients. That’s life-changing. That’s hope. And that’s what I’m chasing.

The most affordable option I’ve found is a trusted clinic in Mexico, where the full cost of the procedure, including travel and lodging, is around $10,000. That alone is a huge amount for me to come up with, which is why I’m asking for your help.

However, if by some miracle I were able to raise $18,000, I would have the opportunity to go through a highly reputable American surgeon located in Carthage, Missouri. While his procedure costs more, it comes with the major benefit of being local—meaning I’d have access to ongoing care, check-ins, and long-term follow-up if needed. That peace of mind would make a real difference for my future.

Whether I’m able to raise $10,000 or $18,000, your support will go directly toward giving me a second chance at life—a chance to live without the constant fear of my diabetes getting worse, the pain intensifying, or facing devastating complications like losing a foot or my vision. Most of all, it’s a chance to simply be there—truly present—for my children, my granddaughter, and the family I love.

I’ve always tried to walk in faith and lean on God during the hard times, and I believe that He is leading me to this surgery as the answer to my prayers. If you feel led to give, I will be forever grateful. And if you can’t give, I completely understand—just sharing this story and saying a prayer means the world.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Thank you for caring. And thank you—truly—for helping give me the chance to live a longer, healthier life with the people I love most.

With gratitude,

Wayne

More About Me

I’m a proud U.S. Army veteran who served during Operation Desert Storm as part of Joint Task Force Proven Force. I spent three years in the Regular Army, stationed in Dexheim, Germany when the Gulf War began. I served as a Patriot Missile Crewmember, and for a time, I had the honor of being the personal aide to our Battery Commander. My time in the military taught me discipline, sacrifice, and how to keep going—even when things are tough.

After my service, I returned home to Kansas and briefly trained as a millwright, but I quickly realized that wasn’t where my passion was. I spent a few years driving a semi before pursuing what I truly loved—technology. I opened a small computer store called Computer Savvy, which helped me gain a foothold in the tech world.

In the year 2000, I was hired by USD 447 in Cherryvale, Kansas, as their Computer Technician. That same year I married the love of my life, Cassandra (I love you baby). Anyways, the role at school eventually grew into a leadership position as Technology Director, and I proudly served the district for 16 years, helping students, teachers, and staff stay connected and supported through technology.

After my time in education, I accepted a position at Kustom Signals, where I currently work as a Network Administrator. I’ve been there ever since, continuing to serve others in a different way—by keeping their systems secure, running, and reliable.

Through all of this, I’ve tried to be a hard worker, a provider, and someone my family and community could depend on. And now, in this moment, I’m asking for your help so that I can keep being that person—for many years to come.