I am an honorably discharged, retired, and disabled U.S. Marine Combat Veteran who served 20 years on active duty. I am reaching out to anyone who can help me rescue, save, and protect my blind and developmentally disabled adult son. Earlier this year, I was alerted to a horrific incident of severe physical abuse involving my son, who had been missing after his mother absconded with him in violation of court orders. Authorities described the home where he was living as deplorable, filled with trash, animal waste, and a putrid odor so strong it was detectable from outside. Despite these conditions, my son’s mother and her boyfriend left him alone in the house while they moved into a camper outside.

When I learned of his whereabouts, I gathered all the funds I could, traveled from Nevada to Louisiana, and hired an attorney to help me seek court intervention. I filed for interdiction and was granted temporary custody, but when I went to retrieve my son, he had already been taken and hidden from me again. After filing a missing persons report and working with authorities, my son was finally located and returned to my care. Upon his return, I immediately took him to the emergency room, where doctors found facial skull fractures, extensive bruising, and evidence of older injuries likely caused by repeated abuse. My son, who is blind and developmentally disabled due to multiple medical conditions, had not received any medical care for a long time.

I have already spent everything I could gather on legal fees and living expenses while remaining displaced in Louisiana. My family and girlfriend have supported me as much as possible, but I am now facing an urgent financial crisis. I recently received an invoice from my attorney for the remaining balance, plus an additional retainer needed for our final hearing. Without these funds, I fear my attorney may have to withdraw, putting my son at risk of being returned to the unsafe environment he was rescued from. I am planning to sell my truck to raise what I can, but I have no other resources left.

I cannot bear the thought of this possibility. Please, anyone and everyone who can help, do what you can—and everyone else, please keep my blind and developmentally disabled infirm adult son in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Concerned Dad.