My father’s story is heartbreaking, and sadly not entirely unique in the world we’re living in.

My dad has spent the last few years caring for his wife through a long and difficult fight with cancer. Now that she’s gone, he’s facing both the loss of his wife of 25 years and an enormous financial burden left in her absence. My dad has always been someone who works hard, helps others, and never complains, but the weight he is carrying now is more than anyone could manage alone.

Although I wasn’t raised with my father in the same household, he was always present, loving, and supportive to my brother and me. He helped my mom throughout our entire childhood, even after their relationship ended, and he has continued to show up for us in every way he can.

I’m hoping this fundraiser can ease even a small part of the weight on his shoulders. My hope is that, with the kindness of others, he can have at least one burden lifted during the hardest season of his life.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read his and Pam's full story below:

Pamela was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 1985 while living in Athens Georgia. After her first surgery Pam's cancer was in remission and free until February 2016.

Unfortunately Pamela's cancer had returned, Her first surgery at Cedars lasted 13 hours and had major complications and failures and was rushed back into surgery after a few days.

8 weeks passed and Pamela was released from the hospital, only to revisit surgery again in 2017 with a 6 week stay in Cedars, 2018 for a 4 week stay and recovery.

After months of chemo Pamela was able to return to work on a limited basis. After years of struggling with Colostomy and failures the state of California approved her going on Disability, this turned out to be a financial nightmare due to a back payment costing us over $8,000.00 in Federal Taxes that we are making monthly payments on and will be for the next 7 years.

In February 2023 Pamela was then diagnosed with rectal cancer, This surgery was performed at City of Hope in Duarte, CA. The side effects of this surgery were very embarrassing for a young woman in her early 60's. Pamela did the best she could to have as normal a life as possible. Medical supplies, surgery bills as well as life's normal cost of living left us pretty financially unstable.

On January 22nd 2025 we had our normal appointment at an oncologist at Cedars. At this appointment nothing seems to stand out as irregular. That evening Pamela started complaining about nausea and vomiting. I decided at 2am January 23 to call for paramedics and Pamela was rushed to Providence St Joseph Medical center in Burbank. Pamela was found to be septic and a mass was rediscovered on her left side that was pressing on her kidney. Pamela was also told she has congestive heart failure.

From January till the fall it was one setback after another while being bounced around through several facilities.

On Sept 26th Pamela made it to the ER at Cedars, The medical staff of course is the best and was able to get her stable enough to move to the ICU. Sept 27th the doctors talked to me and with her infection so massive and her weakness there was no real hope. I made the decision to put her on what they call "Comfort Care". Pamela passed away September 27th at 6:45pm.

So all that being said, Pamela being in hospitals, rehab and home health we have amassed several millions dollars in medical bills that fortunately Medicare and my insurance at work is paying a huge part of this. We will be liable for Thousands of dollars in bills that keep coming in and I have been turned over to collection companies. One of the biggest disappointments was that in 2024 I took out an insurance policy for $20,000 to help cover final expenses. What I wasn't told is that she would need to stay living until May of 2026. So they paid a small fraction of what I thought I would receive.

I have worked in Post Production since 1974 and with Covid and entertainment strikes our industry has not recovered and my Salary has been cut to a few hundred dollars a week. Hopefully this will turn around next year but like many of the people in our business it is looking pretty bleak.

Pam and I met December 31st 1998 and were married December 31st 2001 she loved to cook, shop, and rescue dogs. She was the absolute love of my life.

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We know it's a trying time in the world for everyone, but if you have the ability - it would mean the world to my family if you could help. Thank you for your time!

To be fully transparent, all donations will go directly toward supporting my dad’s most urgent needs:

Medical Debt:

Helping cover the remaining medical bills left after his wife’s passing, including treatments, hospital stays, and end-of-life care.

Immediate Living Expenses:

Assistance with rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation as he regains stability after the loss of her income and support.

Recovery & Transitional Support:

Allowing him time to grieve and rebuild his financial footing without falling deeper into debt.

Every dollar helps relieve a little more of the pressure he’s under.

If you’re able to donate, even a small amount, it would make a meaningful difference for my dad. And if donating isn’t possible right now, simply sharing this page with others helps more than you know.