Help Artist & Veteran Don Roth Find Hope & Live with Dignity

Help Don Roth, A Lifelong Artist, Art Teacher, and Navy Veteran, Reclaim His Health and Hope

For over 50 years, my cousin Don Roth has poured his heart and soul into his artwork. His Kool-Kat Kollection, along with many other paintings, has brought smiles, sparked conversation, and touched countless lives. Don is not just an artist—he’s a fighter.

Before becoming a full-time artist, Don proudly served in the United States Navy as a draftsman. After his service, he worked in the aerospace industry as an illustrator but made the courageous decision to retire early and pursue his true passion: painting. He’s faced decades of health challenges with courage, determination, and a quiet dignity. But today, he’s struggling in ways that no one should have to face alone.

Don had a colostomy over 20 years ago, and since then, his health issues have only multiplied. He’s under the care of three specialists—a general practitioner, a cardiologist, and a pulmonologist—but their only answer has been more medications. Despite his efforts to manage his care, he now finds himself overwhelmed, isolated, and without the resources he needs to improve his quality of life.

Recently, Don tried Ozempic to address one of his most serious issues—his weight. In just 12 weeks, he lost 25 pounds and began to feel a glimmer of hope. But the out-of-pocket cost was unsustainable, and he was forced to stop. He’s also in urgent need of a chair lift in his two-story home. Climbing stairs is now a painful challenge, and he relies on oxygen to breathe even with minor movement.

Adding to the urgency, Don’s wife Kathy—his closest companion and support—has developed medical issues of her own. She is no longer able to assist with his daily care. The need for in-home caregiving is no longer optional—it is critical.

Yesterday, Don told me something no one should have to say: “I have no hope left.”

That broke my heart. I’m starting this campaign not only to raise funds to help Don get the tools and treatments he desperately needs, but also to shine a light on the larger crisis in senior healthcare. Even with Medicare and a PPO supplement, Don still can’t access the level of care he needs to thrive. His story is not unique—there are countless seniors in the same boat, facing complex medical issues, confusing systems, and limited resources.

We urgently need more personal advocates for seniors, more flexibility in care plans, and more compassion in how we support aging individuals in their most vulnerable moments.

How Your Support Will Help

Your donation will go directly toward:

- Reinstating Ozempic or an affordable alternative

- Installing a chair lift in Don’s home

- Paying out-of-pocket medical expenses and support equipment

- Providing in-home caregiving support for colostomy care and daily needs

- Transportation and care coordination not covered by Medicare

Let’s Help Don Keep Creating

Don is still painting and teaching—his art is his therapy, his voice, and his legacy. With your help, he can continue sharing it with the world. More importantly, he can live with dignity, independence, and the hope he deserves.

Please consider donating and sharing this campaign. Let’s help Don—and seniors like him—find light at the end of a long and difficult road.

Inspired by Kindness:

In recent years, public figures like Kristen Bell, Quentin Quarantino, and Jimmy Darts have used their voices to shine a light on people quietly fighting battles they never expected. They’ve shown us that with just a few clicks, the power of community can transform lives.

Today, I’m asking for that same kind of support for Don.

If you’ve ever believed in the power of art, in the strength of a caregiver’s love, or in the ability of strangers to become a lifeline — this is your moment to be that lifeline for Don.

Don’s Art

Don on Social Media

#HelpDonRoth

#VeteransDeserveCare

#SupportOurArtists

#HealthcareIsHope

#DonRothLegacy

#SeniorsNeedHelp