I’m Jon Welman, a dispatcher at the Los Angeles County Fire Department for 23 years. I am in need of cataract surgery. My degraded vision has forced me into light duty, which earns me less than half of what I’m used to.

I waited 2 months for my surgery referral and when I met the doctor he informed me the laser he would use is not covered by insurance and will cost me $5000 out of pocket.

My household expenses have also become a challenge considering I support an extended family of 4, including 2 babies (about to be 3). My electric bill is $1500 and I can’t pay it.

All I want to do is get back to doing what I love, talking to you on the radio, helping the public, supporting the department’s mission, and managing my own life, which I’ve always done.

I set the goal at $8000 to cover the surgery, taxes, and electric bill. Any excess will go to replenishing my savings and possibly visiting my sister and parents in Oregon after the surgery. My parents are in their 90’s now and require constant care.

I pledge to you that once my vision improves I will happily work as hard as ever and make a greater effort to meet and acknowledge all of you.