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Help AIr Force veteran Roger walk again
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$26,118 raised of
30 donations
A father's morning bike ride became a fight for his life
Roger, a retired US Air Force veteran, was living his dream in Thailand with his 5-year-old son when everything changed in an instant. On May 22nd, during his regular morning bike ride along the Mekong River in Nong Khai, Roger was struck from behind by a motorcycle. Without a helmet, he hit the pavement headfirst.
The impact was catastrophic.
The Injuries That Changed Everything
Roger suffered:
- Traumatic brain injury with skull fracture and bleeding above his left frontal lobe
- Cerebral edema (life-threatening brain swelling)
- Broken cheekbone and severe eye contusion
- Seven broken ribs and internal bleeding
- Immediate coma requiring ventilator and feeding tube
For weeks, this strong, independent father fought for his life in the ICU while his little boy waited for "daddy Roger" to come home.
Where We Stand Today - 3 Months Later
The good news: Roger's broken bones have healed, and he's showing precious signs of recovery - recognizing family and speaking a few words.
The reality: Roger remains bedridden with severe muscle atrophy, still dependent on a feeding tube, unable to care for himself or return to his son. His recovery timeline is uncertain - it could be next month or six months from now.
Brain injuries heal on their own schedule.
The Road Ahead: What Roger Needs to Come Home
Immediate Needs (Next 6 Months):
- Anti-seizure medications (minimum 2-year requirement)
- Specialized brain injury medications
- Intensive physical therapy to rebuild muscle strength
- Ongoing medical monitoring and nursing care
Long-term Recovery (1-2 Years):
- Continued physical rehabilitation to regain walking ability
- Speech and cognitive therapy
- Specialized nutrition and dietary support
- Home care assistance when he returns to his son
Why Insurance Isn't Enough - The Overseas Medical Gap
Roger has Tri Care insurance as a military veteran, which covered his emergency trauma care and ICU treatment. But here's the problem: Tri Care doesn't cover medications not approved by the US FDA.
Since Roger is being treated in Thailand with Thai-manufactured medications, his entire medication bill for three months has been paid out-of-pocket by our family.
The costs are staggering:
- Specialized brain injury medications: Thousands monthly
- Anti-seizure drugs: Ongoing requirement
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation: Daily necessity
- Nursing care and medical monitoring: 24/7 need
Our Family's Sacrifice and Limits
Roger's brother John has been our hero through this crisis:
- Covering ALL of Roger's medical expenses not covered by insurance
- Paying Roger's rent so he has a home to return to
- Traveling 500 miles from Koh Chang twice monthly to provide care
His wife Pai gives Roger traditional Thai massage daily to prevent joint stiffening.
But we're reaching our financial limits while Roger's recovery continues for months or years ahead.
Our Goal: $37,000 to Bring Roger Home
We're seeking $37,000 to cover Roger's recovery costs:
- 40% ($14,800) - Life-saving medications not covered by insurance
- 30% ($11,100) - Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- 20% ($7,400) - Nutritional therapy and specialized diet
- 10% ($3,700) - Emergency medical needs and equipment
Every Dollar Makes a Difference:
- $30 = Two days of medication
- $150 = One week of physical therapy
- $300 = One month of specialized nutrition support
A Father's Dream to Return Home
Roger didn't just move to Thailand - he chose it as his home because he found peace along the Mekong River with his son. He was living the life many veterans dream of: quiet, purposeful, devoted to his child.
This accident could happen to any of us. Roger was simply living his life, staying healthy, being a good father. Now he needs our community's support to rebuild what was taken in an instant.
Your donation isn't just funding medical treatment - it's helping a devoted father return to his little boy who calls him "daddy Roger" and misses him terribly.
The Military Community Connection
As veterans, we know the bond we share. Roger served his country with honor, and now he needs his extended military family's support during the toughest battle of his life.
This isn't charity - it's what we do for each other.
Roger's recovery is possible, but he can't do it alone. Every contribution brings him one step closer to walking back into his son's arms.
Transparency and Updates
This campaign is managed by John (Roger's brother) with full family authorization. All medical documentation is available upon request. We'll provide regular updates showing Roger's progress and exactly how funds are being used.
100% of donations go directly to Roger's medical care and recovery.
Thank you for helping bring Roger home to his son.
The little boy who calls him "daddy Roger" is waiting.