Help Us Care for My Dad, Andy, After a Devastating Neurological Diagnosis and Injury

Hi, my name is Nikki Marquez, and I’m reaching out with love and urgency on behalf of my dad, Andy, a gifted fine art photographer, a generous soul, and beloved family member.

Our family has been hit hard by a heartbreaking combination of medical challenges. My dad was recently diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) - a rare, degenerative, and incurable neurological disease that is already affecting his ability to walk, speak, and function independently.

And just as we were beginning to grasp the weight of this diagnosis, he suffered a serious fall at home, fracturing his C3 vertebra in his neck.

He was hospitalized and has since been transferred to a skilled nursing facility, where he now requires 24/7 care. With his PSP progressing quickly, we’ve been told to prepare for long-term residential and memory care in the near future.

We’re doing everything we can, but the financial burden is overwhelming. We are humbly asking for your support to help us care for my dad.

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A Past Injury That May Be Connected

In 2004, while jogging in our neighborhood in Roxborough, my dad was struck by a motorcycle and suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). He received care and rehabilitation at Craig Hospital, one of the nation’s leading centers for brain and spinal cord injury treatment.

Now, nearly two decades later, with his diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, our family strongly suspects a connection between that trauma and what he’s facing today. Emerging research increasingly points to links between traumatic brain injuries and later development of neurodegenerative diseases like PSP.

It’s a possibility that adds another layer of heartbreak to this journey. A reminder that this may have been unfolding silently for many years.

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Andy Marquez, My father

My dad is a well-known fine art photographer, admired for his deeply expressive and often hauntingly beautiful work. His images have been shown in galleries, collected by private buyers, and celebrated by those who see the world differently through his lens.

But just as meaningful as his art is the way he has used it to give back. Over the years, he has donated countless pieces of his work to benefit local charities, nonprofit organizations, and community causes. He never sought the spotlight — if someone asked for help, he gave what he could, no questions asked. Now, my dad is the one who needs help. And we are turning to the community he’s poured so much of himself into.

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What Is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)?

PSP is a rare and aggressively progressive brain disorder. It causes severe issues with balance, speech, vision, movement, and cognitive function. It is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease at first, but PSP worsens more rapidly and currently has no cure.

In my dad’s case, PSP has already taken away:

• His ability to walk without falling

• His speech clarity

• His cognitive focus and memory

• His independence

And then came the fall that fractured his C3 vertebra. A life-altering injury that, combined with the progression of PSP, has taken away nearly all his physical independence. He is now living in a skilled nursing facility and will soon require long-term and memory care.

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The Financial Strain

My dad is no longer able to work, and the loss of his income combined with the escalating costs of care, it has placed an enormous financial strain on our family.

Even with insurance, many essential services and supports are not fully covered, and the waiting lists for assistance programs are long.

We are raising funds to help cover:

• Skilled nursing facility costs

• Long-term or memory care placement

• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy

• Medical supplies and mobility aids

• Prescription medications

• Transportation and accessibility expenses

• Out-of-pocket medical bills

• Ongoing basic living costs

We are doing everything we can behind the scenes. Applying for aid, navigating agencies; but the need is urgent, and the costs are relentless.

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Why Your Support Means So Much

My dad has spent his life giving — through his art, his heart, and his time. Whether you’ve known him personally, admired his photography, or simply believe in supporting people when they need it most, your donation will help provide safety, dignity, and comfort to someone who truly deserves it.

No amount is too small. Every dollar goes directly toward his care and well-being.

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Watching someone you love fade in this way is heartbreaking. But even as his abilities change, I still see glimpses of who my dad is; his creativity, his kindness, his way of seeing the world.

I miss the excited way he explained things. I miss how he’d describe the light in a photograph like it was poetry. I miss the peace he brought to our family just by being there.

He spent his life capturing beauty. Now, I just want to help make sure he’s surrounded by it. With care, compassion, and dignity, in the time he has left.

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How You Can Help

Donate: Every contribution helps, no matter the size.

Share: Please share this campaign with others who may want to support.

Send a Note: Encouraging messages or memories of my dad and his art mean the world to us.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story. We are grateful for your love, your help, and your belief in my dad’s life and legacy.

With deep appreciation,

Nikki Marquez

(Daughter of Andy)