My name is Christopher Long. I never thought I’d be here, reaching out for help just to survive day to day and to be the father my children deserve.

Life After Stroke

A stroke changed my life forever. My balance is gone, my speech is not normal, and my hands don’t work like they should. I use a wheelchair because I’m afraid of falling with a walker. Simple things most people take for granted—stepping out of my RV, taking a shower, shaving, or picking something up off the floor—are daily fears for me.

My meals are often microwavable foods because I cannot cook or clean. My refrigerator has been broken for over a year, and I’ve been relying on a small Walmart fridge on my counter. Living this way has taken away my independence and left me fearful even in my own home.

Urgent Needs

I am asking for help to cover some basic but urgent needs:

Railings or a ramp so I can safely enter and exit my RV

Refrigerator repair so I can keep real, healthy food

Supplements and vitamins to support my health

Clothing, since I’ve gained weight and little fits me now

A working door lock, since my keys were lost and I cannot get new ones made

Roof waterproofing and RV wash, required by the park

New glasses, since mine broke

My indoor stray cat needs spayed and shots.

My car needs moss removed and detailed after four years of nothing.

My Children—My Heart--court costs

The hardest part of all this isn’t just my health—it’s being separated from my children. I am supposed to have them every other weekend. They are 5, 7, 13, and 14 years old, with birthdays in October, January, and February. They are my greatest blessings, and I think about them every single day.

Ten months ago, my ex-wife told me not to ask her to have them call me. She said the two oldest have phones and I should message them directly. Sometimes I don't talk to them for a month. I have kept every conversation, because being their dad is the most important role of my life.

Now, I must go to court to fight for the time I am already supposed to have with them. But on less than $1,000 a month from SSI, I cannot afford legal representation. Legal Aid has turned me away. Without help, I am losing precious time with my kids.

My Past Work & Current Struggle

Just five years before my stroke, I bought a bare piece of land (62 acres) and turned it into a farm. I built fencing, barns, greenhouses, coops, hutches, a water system, cabins, and more with my own two hands. It was cheaper to do the work myself than to pay others, and I was proud of all I accomplished.

But because so much of my income was tied up in the farm and not taxable wages, I did not qualify for SSD (Social Security Disability). Instead, I only receive SSI, which is under $1,000 a month. After all the hard work I poured into building a life, I never imagined living like this—struggling to survive day to day.

Faith & Hope

Through everything, I hold on to my faith. When I faced the heartbreak after my stroke of losing my wife, God gave me a vision of Jesus on the cross saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). That moment reminded me to choose forgiveness instead of bitterness.

Today, I am asking for kindness and compassion from those who may be able to help.

How You Can Help

Your donations will go directly to making my life safer, covering urgent needs, and helping me fight for my children. Every gift—big or small—makes a real difference:

Safe groceries

Refrigerator repair

New glasses

Clothing & household needs

Supplements and vitamins for health

Roof waterproofing for RV

Railings or a ramp for safe access

If you cannot give, please consider sharing my story.

Thank you for listening to my journey, for your prayers, and for walking with me through this difficult time.

With gratitude and faith,

Christopher Long