Our dad, a Monterey County resident and veteran whom is 78 years old, recently endured something truly unimaginable. While in Mexico, he was viciously attacked and stung over 500 times by Africanized "killer" bees.

It started as a normal morning — he had gone out to breakfast, and his beloved dog was waiting in the back of his truck. When he returned, he found his dog completely engulfed in a swarm of bees. He rushed to save his dog and was immediately overtaken by the swarm himself. ( the dog did not make it)

That day, 11 people were medically evacuated due to the attack, but Richard received the brunt of it. Stung over 500 times, he was in critical condition. We got the phone call no family ever wants to receive: Richard was being medically evacuated from Mexico to the U.S. border, and they didn’t believe he would survive the three-hour drive. By the time he arrived at the border, his chances of survival were heartbreakingly slim.

The attack has left him with severe injuries and life-altering complications. Even now, more than six months later, he struggles to walk, care for himself, or perform the simplest daily tasks.

The road to recovery has been devastating — physically, emotionally, and financially. Our family has made countless trips to advocate for him, speak with doctors, and track down his personal belongings. When he was transferred across the border, he arrived with nothing but his passport and VA cards — not even a change of clothes. We have traveled back and forth to San Felipe, Mexico; El Centro, California; and a rehabilitation facility in Yuma, Arizona, and another facility in Monterey CA.

These trips to advocate have cost our family thousands of dollars while shutting down our small business in the process.

We are starting this GoFundMe to humbly ask for help. Your support whether through a donation or simply sharing this page — will go directly towards help for us continue to advocate and cover the costs of the many trips.

From the depths of our hearts, thank you! Your kindness and generosity mean more to us than words can express!