Some of you may be lucky enough to know my dad, Clifford Spangler, and some of you may not. But those of you that do, know he is one of the most giving, reliable, and genuinely caring people out there. He is not only my dad but a dad to many.

As I grew up, he fought for me like crazy, ensuring I was safe and well taken care of when there was no one else there to help us. Along with me came my ragtag group of friends, many of whom needed the same help I did. He took care of them like he took care of me, like they were his kids, working long hours to make sure none of us felt like we had less than others when we were at my home, or out in the world where we faced the realities of life.

My dad has never passed up the opportunity to help those in need. Be it friends, family, strangers. He taught me from a young age to extend kindness in all the ways that I can. When others would walk by someone in need on the street, he would drop fifty dollars into their hand. When others would leave quarters on the table for a waiter, he would tip double what the bill was. I watched him and learned what it was to treat people as equals. To be selfless.

I wouldn’t be who I am today without the unending support from him, nor would I be alive if he had not been there to keep me standing. 

Now, I’m doing what I can to support him in the same ways, and asking others to help me.

My dad has had a myriad of health issues throughout his life. He is a tank and has prevailed through them all. Surviving the worst of the worst. But that does not mean they have not done a number on his body. And perhaps, one of the most debilitating ways it has affected him is his teeth.

They fall out, chip, and break apart in his mouth. He is missing most of his teeth, and a lot of them are broken in half, exposed and cause incredible amounts of pain. He is unable to chew most food and spends his days only able to eat broths and soups. Every day is a struggle mentally and physically with his teeth.

I want nothing more to help him.



It’s no secret that in this country, dental work and insurance cost is a joke. Insurance is incredibly expensive, and dental work can be like buying a new car or investing in a house. Something that most people nowadays struggle to do.

With all of his other medical bills and frequent trips to the hospital for the rest of the things attacking his body, he has been unable to do anything about his teeth, due to lack of funds.

He needs to get dentures, which will involve the dentists needing to pull his broken teeth out, raising the price of what it would typically be.

So far, he has saved up a third of the cost. It has taken him a year. At this rate, it'll be years before he can feel normal again.

This is why I’m making this fundraiser. To call upon all that he has helped financially, emotionally, by simply being an empathetic ear... and those who may not know him, but are touched by his story. 

I know this is a rough time for all of us, the future is very uncertain, and so many people need help. So I understand if it’s too much right now to help. But I’m asking that if you can, please help me support my dad to get dentures.