My name is Ashley. I'm a mother of 5 children. I've been taking care of my 2 oldest girls' dad, Dana, since forever it seems like.

In 2018, Dana had his first stroke. In 2019, he had a second stroke that really changed him. From re-learning how to swallow, eat on his own, sit up on his own, walk, etc., I was there for it all and to watch his progress with our girls by my side.

At the end of 2020, early 2021, we learned Dana had heart failure (congestive heart failure). In 2022, he developed an infection in his foot that traveled up his leg. Being a diabetic, his body doesn't heal easily, which led to a below-the-knee amputation. In 2023, Dana's body was swelling up with fluid. We found out his kidney functions were giving out. At the end of 2023, Dana started dialysis. In 2024, Dana's other foot developed sores and infections that led to multiple surgeries.

In 2025 (currently), Dana had 2 falls back in February which left him with a broken back and neck. The neck healed, but his back has gotten worse. He developed a spinal infection on top of it all.

Because of the strokes, Dana has been a silent aspirator, which has led to multiple hospitalizations for pneumonia, including his current stay this very second.

We also learned within the last 2 weeks Dana had another medium-sized stroke, which explains why he isn't talking, eating, or drinking.

We've been left to make the worst decision ever—place him on hospice or place a feeding tube and hope he can get somewhat better.

My heart hurts so bad! I'm not telling the kids anything right now until we know more as they are still running tests.

I work a full-time job during the day and was Dana's PCA at home after I got off work and on the weekends. With me being the only person taking care of the kids, the house, bills, groceries, daycare expenses, going back and forth to the hospital, and just literally everything, I'm stressed beyond measure. I have VERY LITTLE support/help. I do not qualify for county asst. There's a zero dollar child support order for my 3 youngest kids dad. Dana & I's 2 oldest girls receive a SMALL amount of income from ssdi but its barely enough to put food on the table. That's why I work so hard to make sure I make up for what's not coming in.

As school is approaching, I started to get things ready for my 4 older kids, then all this happened. I took a leave of absence from work to focus on Dana right now, not knowing what's to come.

I'm asking for help so I can get my kids ready for school, pay a month's worth of bills, and focus my energy on my family right now. Anything is appreciated!

Thank you in advance.