My dad, Lee Strickland, is about to turn 72 years old, and all he wants for his birthday is something simple but meaningful: time with his family. My brother is stationed with the United States Navy in Coronado Island, California, and my dad dreams of making one more long road trip to San Diego to spend precious time with his son, daughter-in-law, and grandkids.
This trip is much bigger than a vacation for our family. My dad is battling end-stage renal disease and depends on dialysis multiple times a week just to stay alive. Because he cannot fly, we have to travel by van across the country, and during the trip he will need several dialysis treatments scheduled away from home. Those treatments are expensive, but they are absolutely necessary for him to safely make this journey.
Our main goal is raising funds for my dad’s dialysis treatments and medical travel needs first. Without dialysis, this trip cannot happen. We are also trying to help cover part of the transportation, hotel stays, food, gas, and accessibility needs that come with traveling long distance at his age and condition.
To be fully transparent:
• Estimated dialysis(3x) 13,500 and medical travel costs: approximately $4,000
• Estimated van rental, hotels, gas, and food: approximately $6,000
Even though the full trip may cost around $23,500, the true heart of this fundraiser is helping my dad receive the dialysis care he needs so he can experience this birthday trip with dignity, comfort, and peace.
If you feel led to donate, no amount is too small. A $5 donation matters. A share matters. A prayer matters. Every act of kindness helps carry some of this burden for my parents and gives my dad a chance to create memories with his family while he still can.
My dad has spent his life loving, working, sacrificing, and showing up for people. I would love for us to show up for him now.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, praying, donating, and sharing this fundraiser. My family truly appreciates every ounce of support, compassion, and love during this season. May God bless every single person who helps make this possible.


