Hi everyone — this one is personal. Every year, we make donations over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays to local charities. This year, I'm helping a long-time friend, Chuck Graf. I have personally donated to friends raising funds for their kids and other efforts here on Facebook.

My friend Chuck and I have known each other since Hawthorne. We grew up together across the tracks, went to the same schools, and lived through all the chaos, fun, and struggles that come with life. If you know Chuck, you know he’s stubborn, funny, and tries to get by without asking anyone for anything.

But now, he really needs help.

️ Chuck Is Losing His Vision — And He’s Down to One Working Eye

Chuck has a severe cataract in one eye, leaving him with almost no vision on that side. His other eye — the one he relies on to drive, work, and get through the day — is now starting to deteriorate too.

He recently lost his insurance, and the timing couldn’t be worse.

$770 is needed for the cataract surgery on the main eye

$270 is needed for the minor procedure on the other eye

Without it, he risks losing the independence he has left — including the ability to work

Every day he battles pain and migraines because different amounts of light hit each eye. Some days, he can barely function. Imagine trying to keep your job when you can’t even rely on your eyesight.

He should honestly be on disability or doctor-ordered rest, but like a lot of us, he has to work just to get by. He’s doing the best he can — but he’s running out of time.

Life Has Hit Him Hard, Over and Over

Chuck has had more than his fair share of tough breaks over the years. He’s never complained, never asked for handouts, and never had the safety nets many people take for granted.

This is his vision.

His ability to work.

His ability to drive.

His ability to live independently.

Without surgery, everything becomes uncertain.

This Is Our Chance to Step In — As His Community

He’s not asking for anything extravagant. He just wants to see again. To work. To get through a day without pain. To have a chance at a normal life.

I’m asking anyone who can spare even a few dollars to help us reach this small but life-changing goal.

Every donation helps. Every share helps.

If 100 people gave just $10, the entire surgery cost would be covered.

Total Goal: $1,100

This covers both surgeries and transportation to appointments.

❤️ Thank you. Truly.

Whether you donate or simply share this, it means the world to both of us. Chuck would give the shirt off his back if someone else needed it — now it’s our turn to give him a hand.

Let’s help him see again.

— Jim