Hello everyone,

My name is Denzel Small Jr., I’m 23 years old, and I currently live in Brooklyn, NY, with my 66-year-old father, who has dementia. I’ve been his full-time caregiver for the past few years, doing everything I can to ensure he’s comfortable and cared for.

Life has a funny way of humbling you. I was once a college student-athlete at Essex Community College (ECC), chasing my dreams both on and off the field. But when COVID hit, life took an unexpected turn. I had to pause my education to work and support myself. After facing financial hardships and unstable living conditions, I eventually moved in with my father, hoping for a fresh start.

Just as I was beginning to find my footing again and return to school and sports, my father’s health declined. His dementia diagnosis changed everything. He became unable to care for himself, and I stepped up to take care of him full-time, cooking, cleaning, managing his appointments, and doing everything I could to make sure he was safe and loved.

Caring for him has been one of the hardest but most meaningful things I’ve ever done. Unfortunately, the financial strain has become overwhelming. Between bills, medical expenses, and his treatments, I’ve fallen behind. I’ve been trying to work with the state of New York to get him professional help or a registered nurse, but the process has been slow and discouraging.

I’ve also had to pause my own education again because I owe money to my school and can’t re-enroll until I pay off that balance. My dream is to finish my final year at ECC, earn my degree, and build a better future for both of us, one where I can continue to care for my father and create something stable for our lives.

This GoFundMe is my way of asking for help, something that’s not easy to do. Any contribution, no matter how small, will go directly toward:

-Paying off my school balance so I can re-enroll and finish my degree

-Covering my father’s medical and living expenses

-Helping us maintain stability during this difficult time

Your support means more than words can express. It’s not just about the financial help, it’s about hope, and the chance to rebuild what’s been lost.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can offer. Whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this page, I’m deeply grateful.

With love and gratitude,

Denzel Small Jr.