He Fought for Our Country at 19. Please Help Him Spend His Final Days at Home, Not Alone

In 1965, at just 19 years old, my younger brother answered his country’s call and enlisted in the U.S. Army. That same year, he was sent to Vietnam.

He returned home in 1966 a changed young man, carrying wounds few could see. Like so many Vietnam veterans, he lived with the lasting effects of trauma for the rest of his life. The VA later recognized his PTSD, but the burden he carried never truly left him.

He built a quiet, humble life in the woods of Northern California, where he found peace in nature. He formed a special bond with the wildlife around him: deer, wild turkeys, even bears and their cubs. When food was scarce, he used what little extra money he had to feed them. Caring for those animals gave him comfort, purpose, and companionship.

Five years ago, he was diagnosed with bone cancer.

He has fought bravely, but now at 80 years old, he is in palliative care and expected to enter hospice very soon. He now needs 24/7 support to remain safe and comfortable.

Our family is committed to bringing him into his sister’s home in North County San Diego so he can spend his remaining time surrounded by love, dignity, and peace, not in a facility, and not alone through the long nights that have become the hardest for him.

His greatest fear is ending up in a care facility.

Hospice will provide important support, but it does not cover round-the-clock caregiving.

Even with his VA benefits, Social Security, and everything our family can contribute, we are facing a $9,000 monthly shortfall to provide the care he now needs.

We are hoping to raise $45,000 to help cover full-time in-home care during his final months, so he can remain where he wants to be: in a home, surrounded by family, comfort, and compassion.

If you are able to give, any amount will go directly toward his care. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean just as much.

He gave part of his life in service to this country. He lived quietly, asked for little, and gave what he could, even to the animals in the forest.

Now we are simply trying to give him peace, dignity, and comfort at the end of his journey.

He stood for us when he was just a boy. Please help us stand for him now.