My father was a professional football player for the Kansas City Chiefs and played in the very first Super Bowl. He spent four years in the NFL, giving his all to the sport he loved. Back then, the salary was much lower than what players earn today. After his football career, he became a school teacher and dedicated his life to helping teens, always putting others before himself.

Now, at 85, my dad is facing the difficult aftermath of his playing days. The equipment and medical care available back then were nothing like what athletes have today. He was often put back into games after concussions and injuries, and now he’s living with advanced Alzheimer’s and a host of medical issues. He’s in assisted living, and the costs are overwhelming. His only income is social security, which barely covers his basic needs. My husband and I do everything we can to help with his medical bills, but it’s simply not enough, especially since he didn’t have the chance to set up good health insurance.

My mother left my sister, who is handicapped, and me at a babysitter’s and never came back. Three weeks later, after finally finding my father, he picked us up and raised us on his own. My dad is a truly great man. He has always been there for us, and now I’m doing everything I can to be there for him. Watching his mental and physical health decline so rapidly has been heartbreaking. Any support would mean the world to our family. All donations will go directly toward his assisted living, ensuring he has a safe place to live, full-time nursing care, and the medical support he so desperately needs. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping us take care of the man who took care of us.