First of all, we hope with all our hearts that this is not Don's last trip to Laos - his incurable pancreatic cancer diagnosis is just making us extra aware that this could be it, and our top priority is making it happen and making him comfortable enough to do what he needs to do. If you know Don, then you may already know that his number one goal in life is to help the people of Laos overcome the generational damage done during the nine-year Secret War, in which Don played a very unfortunate role that he regrets to this day. Since 2019, Don has dedicated his life to helping the Lao people. He has been involved in raising funds to help those who lost limbs to unexploded ordnance, building schools, buying school supplies and sports equipment for kids, and helping veterans get needed medical supplies. Don has made many good friends in the country along the way. When he was diagnosed with cancer in October 2025, we had to cancel a trip he had already planned, and he was heartbroken. Now that his treatment is proceeding, his strongest wish is to go back one more time to check on the schools and vet center, set up systems to ensure that they are supported for years to come, see his friends and say goodbye. We are planning a family trip for mid-March through mid-April. Because his health is vulnerable and he tires easily, the biggest hurdle to success is the arduous 22 hours of flying to get there (and again to come home). I am starting this GoFundMe to raise funds to allow us to purchase a Business Class or similar ticket that will allow him to lay down and rest in some measure of comfort, saving his energy for the visit itself. Just one of those tickets is out of our financial reach, so we're asking for help! Thanks so much for reading this far and for caring about Don. Any amount of support is appreciated more than you know!
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