I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you about my father’s current health situation. In July 2023, my dad, Roy Kirkland, was hospitalized for dehydration and malnutrition due to low kidney function. His kidney function was at about 14%, causing his body to be unable to retain water and essential vitamins necessary for a healthy state. Additionally, his hemoglobin level was incredibly low at 7.2, compared to the average range of 13-17. He had to undergo multiple blood transfusions and other surgical procedures. Furthermore, his PSA screening was 10,100 ng/mL, where anything over 10 is alarming.

Under the care of many doctors, he was officially diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer, complicated by kidney issues. The cancer had also spread to his bones, making them incredibly brittle and prone to breaking. He was hospitalized for two weeks, which was incredibly hard for us, but especially for him.

For those who don’t know my father, it was hard for him to be away from his books and his work. He is approaching his 77th birthday this year and, despite his age, he still works because he cannot afford to retire in this economy. My father is an incredibly loving and caring man who deeply affects everyone fortunate enough to meet him. He is well-read, well-written, and passionate about the arts in any form. He is also an amazing cook, but he hasn’t been able to enjoy many meals due to needing extensive dental work, which he cannot afford and his insurance does not cover. As a result, he is unable to enjoy his passions or the simple pleasures of daily life.

Medical and credit card debt have been mounting rapidly, leaving him struggling to pay for treatment costs, basic bills, and groceries. The stress of inflation and rising prices for necessities is preventing him from having the proper mindset to improve his condition. Given my schedule, I’m often unable to take him to his doctor appointments, so he has to resort to using Uber, which adds up as each ride averages about $30. He has about three appointments weekly on average.

The work he does have as a writer is dwindling. So, we humbly come to our community to ask for help. It has been a challenging time for our family both emotionally and financially. As my friends may know, my brother and I are incredibly close to our dad, so seeing him struggle in any way is heartbreaking, to say the least.

To support him during this difficult period, we have set up this GoFundMe page to raise funds for his medical expenses and increasing living costs to help him improve the sense of security he needs to conquer these problems.

Your support means the world to us. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in helping us alleviate our shared financial burden so we can focus on his recovery.

We would appreciate it if you shared this with your network to help us reach more people who may be able to assist. Your kindness and generosity will fill us with gratitude and thanks during this challenging time.

Thank you so much for your support and keeping our family in your thoughts.

-Joy and Max Kirkland