Any of you who know my father know what a force of life he is. Over the last two decades, he's had dozens and dozens of surgeries and yet has always managed to come out swinging. He's struggled through battling against Peripheral Artery Disease for most of my life. Then, about a decade ago, he had one of his legs amputated. It was a scary time for our whole family. We weren't sure what he would be capable of after such a devastating surgery. Yet, he surprised us all with his determination and strength. He learned how to walk again and eventually only needed a prosthetic leg and a cane to get around; he could still golf, drive, work, provide and enjoy a full life. This past winter, Jules faced another tough arterial blockage and had numerous surgeries to try and avoid the inevitable. But unfortunately, he lost his right leg, too. He has already made such leaps and bounds since the amputation. He's been to three physical/occupational therapy rehabilitation facilities and has already started progressing on learning to walk with TWO prosthetic legs! He impresses his family with his motivation, strength, and passion for life every day.

 

At this point in his recovery, we have hit a roadblock. We've been able to get by until now by using his Medicare to pay for 80% of his costs, and amassing a ridiculous amount of medical debt for the other 20%. Until now, that's been enough for his doctors to make him new legs, and get us the equipment he needs in order to function. But I know my dad is capable of so much more. For him to get the next upgraded above the knee prosthetic leg, we have to put several thousand dollars down before they will make it for us. We also want to upgrade his car so that he can drive it with his hands, but that's a huge out of pocket expense as well.  As it is, my parents have to pay for rides everywhere they go, and it's something they can't afford to keep up. Outpatient therapy plus the driving lessons mean they need transportation up to 5 days a week, just so that my dad can learn to be his independent self again. He's always taken such good care of us, and I know his friends and loved ones feel his love and light too. So I ask to please give what you can. My dad's determination, fight, motivation, and inner strength knows no bounds. But the American healthcare system is a broken one, and isn't designed to help the handicapped or disabled live their best lives. So we have decided to ask our friends, family, and loved ones for some help. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read about and help out my amazing father, who deserves the chance to still get around, experience the world, and share his light.