If you grew up with Jim Santos, you knew he was unstoppable.

As kids in Vernon, Connecticut, we spent countless hours outside riding go-carts through the neighborhood, jumping dirt bikes, camping and waterskiing. Jim was always active, adventurous, and fearless. That spirit stayed with him as he grew up.

While I eventually went off to school and moved away, Jim built a good life close to home. He married Lisa, raised their daughter Chelsea, and worked hard in construction and other skilled labor jobs. When Lisa had to step away from work due to her own health challenges, the family adjusted to living on Jim’s income.

In 2025, life took a devastating turn. Complications from a medical diagnosis of PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) left severe blockages in the arteries in his left leg. After a serious medical crisis, doctors had no choice but to amputate. Around the same time, Jim also faced major health issues that required extensive dental treatment. He is incredibly lucky to be alive and is now focused on recovery, but the impact has been overwhelming.

Jim is now facing a mountain of medical bills. He can’t work right now, and it’s unclear when, or if, he’ll be able to return. The debt continues to grow, and the road ahead is long.

Jim is proud, hardworking, and determined to rebuild his life. The goal of this GoFundMe is to help him pay down medical expenses and get a prosthetic leg and dental care that will allow him to regain strength, independence, and the possibility of working again.

For those of us who are able, this is a chance to help someone who has always carried his own weight to get back on his feet. Let’s stand together with Jim. Please donate what you can.