The person you see in this hospital photo is me. On December 23, 2024, my life changed forever when someone attempted to rob me and shot me. What should have been an ordinary day turned into a fight for my life. My injuries were severe. I was in a coma and underwent major surgery to repair the damage to my lung. The photo you see on this fundraiser was taken while I was in the hospital, fighting for my life. By the grace of God, I survived. But what nobody prepares you for is what happens after you survive. Before that day, I had spent more than 25 years working and building my career in the convenience-store and gas-station industry, including many years with Hess and Speedway. I worked my way into management and leadership, and during the six years before the shooting, my responsibilities took me across Florida, including West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie, Lake Placid, and Tampa. I was accustomed to working long days, leading people, solving problems, and taking care of myself. I was the person others could depend on. Then, in a matter of seconds, everything changed.

It has now been approximately 19 months since I was shot, and I have still been unable to return to the working life I had before. I continue to deal with physical limitations and neurological symptoms that are still being medically evaluated. I cannot reliably stand or walk for extended periods without experiencing dizziness, unsteadiness, and other symptoms that have made returning to work extremely difficult. So why am I asking for help now, 19 months later? Because I spent the last 19 months trying not to. I kept hoping I would recover enough to return to work, regain my independence, and rebuild my life without having to publicly ask anyone for financial help. I tried. But recovery did not happen on a timetable. While I was trying to get better, the everyday cost of living never stopped. Month after month, the financial pressure continued to build. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, I believed I would have meaningful support while I recovered. Unfortunately, much of the assistance I expected never materialized. I am grateful that the payments and insurance for the vehicle I was driving have continued to be covered, but beyond that, I have largely had to navigate the financial consequences of this life-changing experience on my own.

After more than 25 years of working and providing for myself, these are some of the hardest words for me to say: I need help. I am raising $50,000 to help me regain financial stability while I continue dealing with my health challenges and working toward rebuilding my life. The funds will help with essential living expenses, medical-related costs, transportation, accumulated financial obligations, and the basic necessities I need while I remain unable to return to work. I know $50,000 is a significant goal. I am not expecting one person to carry that burden. If thousands of people give a little, together it can make a life-changing difference. And if you are unable to donate, simply sharing my story could help it reach someone who can. When you look at the hospital photo on this page, you are looking at one of the lowest moments of my life. But you are also looking at proof that I survived. This isn’t just about what happened to me on December 23, 2024. It’s about the consequences I am still living with today. I fought to stay alive that day. Now I am fighting to rebuild my life. If my story touches you, please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser. Every donation and every share can help move me one step closer to stability and a new beginning. Thank you for taking the time to hear my story and for any support you are able to give. It means more to me than I can put into words.