The Man Who Never Stopped Giving

Hi everyone, I’m Joy Sorrows. I am writing this with a heavy heart for my dear brother-in-law, Kirk Sanfilippo.

Kirk has been a rock to our family. He is the man who worked every single day, and for the last 30 years, he has been the primary caregiver for my sister, Robin, after she became disabled due to a stroke. Kirk never asked for help—he was always too busy being the one who gave it.

But today, Kirk is facing a battle he cannot win on his own.

The Reality of LOPD

Kirk was born with a rare genetic condition called Late Onset Pompe Disease (LOPD). For decades, he carried this burden silently, pushing through debilitating fatigue to provide for his family. Eventually, the disease caught up. LOPD causes the muscles to waste away and relentlessly attacks the ability to breathe.

Today, Kirk’s life is confined to the four walls of his home:

Constant Oxygen: He must wear an oxygen mask 24/7.

Loss of Mobility: He has lost the ability to stand unassisted and can no longer drive.

Financial Strain: While waiting years for disability approval, Kirk was forced to drain his entire retirement savings just to survive.

How You Can Help

We are asking for your help to bring dignity and a glimmer of independence back to Kirk’s life. Our goal is split into two critical phases:

1. The Immediate Need: $3,000

Kirk urgently needs a specialized lift-assist wheelchair. Because he cannot stand on his own, this chair is the only way he can navigate his home safely and get to essential doctor visits. This $3,000 will cover the remaining balance that insurance refuses to pay.

2. The Long-Term Goal: $10,000

We are aiming higher to help Kirk manage the mountain of medical debt accumulated during his years without income and to fund urgent, accessible repairs to his home to make it safe for his condition.

How to Support Kirk

Donate: No amount is too small. Every dollar goes directly toward Kirk’s equipment and care.

Share: Even if you cannot give, please share this link. Every share helps us reach someone who might be able to help.

Pray: Your thoughts and prayers are deeply felt and appreciated by our whole family.

Kirk has spent 60 years taking care of everyone else. Now, it’s our turn to be in his corner.

With all my love and gratitude,

Joy Sorrows