Help Me Bring Steve Reeger Safely To My Home

My father, Steve Reeger, is a Navy Veteran who proudly served during the Vietnam conflict. He’s not only a father and a veteran, but also a brother, son, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin, cat-dad, and friend to many. He's also known as Poppa Steve. ❤️

In September 2024, at age 78, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer and later received 100% Service-Related Disability from the VA. I moved from Holiday (Tampa Bay Area) to Palm Coast, FL the following month to help him through treatment. Because he doesn’t drive and uses a wheelchair, he needed daily assistance, and I was fortunate that my employer allowed me to work remotely during that time.

On February 2, 2025, Dad underwent a radical cystoprostatectomy—the removal of his bladder, prostate, and lymph nodes—with a permanent urostomy. His recovery was long and difficult, requiring two months in the hospital and rehab. While chemotherapy wasn’t an option due to his overall health, his surgeon was confident the cancer had been removed, and his first scan in April 2025 showed no evidence of disease.

In August 2025, believing he was ready to live independently, I returned to my home in Holiday to take care of my own pressing health issues, return to the office, catch up on a years' worth of home maintenance and generally decompress from the past year.

Sadly, just a month later, a follow-up scan revealed two new tumors. Because of his fragile health and the severity of his last surgery, doctors do not consider him a candidate for further major operations. His condition is declining, and while he currently receives about 20 hours a week of caregiver assistance, it’s no longer enough.

To ensure he receives the care he needs, I plan to move him into my home so I can take care of him full-time while continuing to work. However, my small bathroom needs to be remodeled to accommodate his wheelchair and medical needs.

I’ve been trying to secure a VA HISA Grant (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations, up to $6,800), but because this isn’t yet his official residence, the process has been full of red tape. I’m continuing to appeal that decision and applying for help from other veteran and cancer support organizations, but we need to act quickly.

The remodel is estimated to cost $12,000–$16,000. We have about half, but we need help raising the remainder. If the VA grant or another source eventually comes through, I will reimburse every dollar raised. Right now, I simply need to make it possible for my dad to move here safely and live with dignity.

Thank you for reading our story and for any support you can offer — whether that’s through a donation, sharing our story, or simply keeping my dad in your thoughts.

With love & gratitude,

Dianne Reeger & Family