IF YOU KNOW ROGER,

you know he’s the guy who would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought. He’s built his life around taking care of others—raising four kids, raising three grandkids, and running a family business where he employs his sons and grandson.

Now, the man who has carried all of us needs us to carry him.

Roger isn't just a father; he’s the bedrock of our family. At almost 70, he’s still the boss, working alongside his sons and grandson every day. He’s a loving 'dog-dad' to three active dogs who don’t understand why he can’t play with them like he used to.

He is a proud, humble man. Asking for help is the last thing he ever wanted to do. Even considering this surgery has been a big step for him. But as his breathing has worsened, his world has shrunk. The simple things—laughing at a joke, walking to his truck, or tossing a ball for the dogs—have become a struggle for air.

WHAT'S WRONG

Over the past few years, Roger has found it more difficult to breathe on his own. After an official diagnosis of emphysema, he was put on oxygen 24/7 along with other steroids and medication. The first few doctors indicated that this would not be treatable long term and didn't expect him to survive through the winter.

PRAYERS ANSWERED

We finally have incredible news, Roger is an active candidate for a double lung transplant at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. This is his second chance at life. He is currently in a multi-week long process of getting approved for the waitlist. The wait itself is only expected to take 1-2 weeks. (Edit: Doctors determined only one lung was needed)

The tests, the surgery, and post surgery comes with a massive logistical hurdles. Because the procedure is so complex, Northwestern requires him to stay and or travel to downtown Chicago almost daily for the next three+ months. After surgery, he cannot be alone—he requires 24/7 care from a dedicated family member to ensure a safe and successful recovery.

WHY WE NEED HELP

Lost Income: When Roger recovers from surgery and his family leans in to support, the business slows down and lost wages make even the monthly bills more difficult. He is pulling in all the funds he can from retirement and other savings, but this really puts him behind. Once the transplant is complete, he can earn some disability while he is off his feet. He is already thinking about going back to work so if he has his way this will temporary.

Travel: Insurance covers the surgery, but it pays $0 for the required travel. We have to pay for hotel stays near the hospital and/or parking, gas for about 12 weeks post surgery and weeks leading up the surgery.

The Costs Breakdown: We are estimating about $10,000 based on what we know so far to support Roger's recovery. Pre-surgery we'll keep our goals lower to align with the needs for the current state of the process. All funds go directly into a shared account owned by Roger and his wife Cindy.

$3,000: The "Bad Weather/Traffic" Hotel Fund

While Rogers hopes to recover at home in Indiana, Chicago traffic and winter weather can turn a 45-minute drive into a 2-hour ordeal. This fund allows us to book a hotel immediately near the hospital on days when he has intense prep, rehab, discomfort or travel is not possible for him and his caregiver.

$2,500: Commuter Costs (Gas, Tolls & Parking)

While he ideally he will not have to stay in the hospital after the first few weeks, he still will need to be there for critical testing, followups, rehab, and recovery almost daily for up to four months (total pre and post).

$2,000: Anti-Rejection Medication Co-Pays

These life-saving drugs are expensive, and he will be on them forever. He will likely have to cover up to $2000 of these costs.

$2,500: Keeping the Family Business Running

Because Dad is the business, him being out of commission means a significant hit to the family income. This helps keep the lights on while the team focuses on getting the "Boss" back on his feet. This amount may more more to help missing wages for Dad's caregivers or bringing in third-party as needed.

How Else You Can Help: We know times are tough. If you can’t donate, we completely understand. A share on Facebook or a prayer for his recovery means just as much to us. But if you can spare the cost of a coffee or a tank of gas, or even a ride to/from an appointment you are helping us keep our dad—and our boss, papa, and best friend—around for a lot longer.

Thank you for helping him breathe easier.