A few years ago, my dad retired after being diagnosed with end-stage COPD and Neuropathy. After spending over 30 years working as a motorhome mechanic, retirement was a difficult transition for him. Working with his hands had always been a huge part of who he was, and losing that overnight was both physically and emotionally challenging.

To give himself purpose and something to look forward to, he turned a small storage shed on their property into a workshop. There, he began handmaking Alaskan jewelry out of wood — something creative, meaningful, and within his physical limits. That shop quickly became more than just a workspace; it was his passion, his outlet, and a way for him to continue doing what he loves despite his health struggles.

That same shop also held his entire lifetime collection of tools — tools he had carefully collected over more than three decades as a motorhome mechanic. Many of them were irreplaceable, both financially and sentimentally. As a man that loves Alaska, this shed also housed all of his fishing gear, camping supplies, their kayak, and so much more. 

Recently, tragedy struck when the shop caught fire. The fire destroyed everything inside. All of his tools, equipment, materials, and finished pieces were lost in a matter of minutes. What he worked so hard to build after retirement — and what gave him purpose — is now gone.

My parents are on a fixed income, and recovering from a loss like this simply isn’t possible for them without help. This fundraiser is to help replace essential tools, rebuild the workshop, and give my dad the chance to continue creating and doing what brings him joy.

Any donation, no matter the size, will help ease this burden. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser means just as much. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for helping support my parents during this incredibly difficult time.