We met Abdul in February 2024, when my husband Jim came home from the hospital. Jim’s health was declining, and his cancer made it harder and harder for him to walk. From the very first day, Abdul became more than just a caregiver — he became part of our family.

Abdul had this rare gift: he knew how to give Jim the independence he craved while quietly making sure he had the care, comfort, and dignity he deserved. He tracked medications, gently persuaded Jim to take them when he resisted, encouraged him through the physical therapy he could manage, and always did it with patience and a warm smile. He treated wounds, recognized when we needed to get back to the ER, and learned everything he could from the visiting nurses — often matching or exceeding the quality of their care.

It’s not just skill with Abdul, though. It’s heart. He sees the person before the patient, and his kindness and intuition are as important as his medical know-how. Nursing is clearly his calling, and he’s ready to take the next step with formal training.

Abdul will be working while attending nursing school, but the cost is more than his current salary can cover. He needs $4,800 to close the gap — and I can’t think of a better way to honor Jim’s memory than to help Abdul use his gifts to care for others the way he cared for us.