A few days ago we got the hard news that no one wants to hear. After years of cancer treatments my dad is now being treated for chronic heart failure. And it just really really really sucks. He has fought so hard for so long and it has taken its toll. While his care is ongoing, this fundraiser is intended to help our family manage the financial burden that comes with chronic illness — including medical bills, travel for treatments, and everyday expenses — so we can focus on supporting him through this chapter.

But before anything else, I want to share who he is — the man behind all of this.

He stepped into the role of my father when I was just three years old and taught me what it truly feels like to be someone’s daughter. He loved and still loves my mom with his entire being. Their love story started with her leaving musical notes on the door to his sister house, and that’s all it took for the rest to be history and they have barely spent a nice apart since then. My mom will also tell you I’ve had him wrapped around my finger since he met me, which is true. He showed up in every way that mattered. He taught me how to change my brakes, tires, and oil. He taught me how to make homemade biscuits and gravy from scratch. He taught me the value of working hard, loving fiercely, and standing strong no matter what life brings. He NEVER complains no matter how much pain he is in, and still finds the way to make all of us laugh through it all. And he always puts everyone else first.

My dad was diagnosed in 2010 with neuroendocrine cancer in the ileum, with metastasis to his liver and bones. A very rare cancer that that many years, he underwent countless chemo treatments, injections, and everything imaginable to try and save his life. Those treatments helped control the cancer, but over time they have placed enormous irreversible damage on his body. A few days ago, we are being told that he is now being treated for chronic heart failure, and his care has become increasingly complex and overwhelming.

My dad has always been that kind of man who wakes up at 5 a.m., drinks his coffee, and works with his hands until the day is done. He’s worked on oil rigs, was a truck driver, woodworker, and then a journeyman electrician. He really has worked SO hard his entire life. Then, a few years ago, my parents bought a barebones house with the dream of turning it into their forever home. He planned to rebuild everything himself — the roof, the electrical, the plumbing, the wiring. It was a project, for sure, that kept him BEYOND busy in the only way he likes to be.

Unfortunately, his declining health has brought all of those plans to a halt.

On top of the medical challenges, my parents live an hour away from Omaha, where his treatments and appointments take place. They rely heavily on their vehicle, which now needs significant repairs to remain safe and reliable for frequent medical travel. Ensuring they can get to and from his treatments safely has become another urgent expense that is obviously struggling to manage. Now our focus is to make life easier and as enjoyable as it possibly can be with taking as much stress away as possible.

Your support will help with:

* Medical bills and treatment for his now diagnosis as being treated with heart failure

* Transportation and frequent medical travel into Omaha

* Repairs to their vehicle to ensure safe, reliable access to care

* Medications and ongoing specialist appointments

* Household support as my parents adjust to this new reality

* Providing stability, and comfort for my dad during this difficult chapter

Thank you for taking the time to read his story and for supporting my dad after so many years of fighting with strength and resilience. Every donation makes a meaningful difference. Sharing this fundraiser also helps more than you know.

With love and so much gratitude,

Everyone who has ever met this incredible man

Photos by @enriquemphoto & @beautyincadence