My name is Shannon Almeida, and I am starting this GoFundMe to support my father, David Almeida.

My dad spent most of his adult life helping others in the field of education. After graduating from UMass Amherst, he taught Kindergarten on the Hopi Indian Reservation. Later, he excelled as the regional director for the Massachusetts migrant education program. This program provided invaluable school services for hundreds of migrant workers' children, a disenfranchised population in our country. At age 70, he is now retired and enjoys simple pleasures like golfing, hiking, and spending time with his family.

About 6 months ago, he received the devastating diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Fortunately, he is at the early stage of the disease and continues to live independently. My dad has sustained a positive and hopeful outlook on life and does everything he can to maintain his health and well-being. He inspires me every day.

In September of 2025, another tragedy struck when my father fell victim to a financial scam. The following is a breakdown of what happened:

• My dad received an email from a fake company telling him that he owed the company money.

• My dad responded to the email and then received a phone call. The scammer on the phone told my dad that he mistakenly deposited $30,000 into his bank account.

• When my dad checked his personal bank account, he saw the additional $30,000 and was convinced it was real. The scammer pleaded for my dad to return the money, claiming that he would likely "lose his job”.

• My dad withdrew $30,000 from his personal checking account and gave it to a courier. The scammer kept my dad on the phone the entire time, which is a common tactic meant to create a sense of panic and prevent outside help.

Once my father realized he had been scammed, he reported the situation to the police, wiped his electronic devices, and cut off all contact with the scammer. However, this horrible event has almost entirely drained his safety net of savings. Understandably, he is experiencing increased stress, which is known to speed up the progression of Alzheimer's disease, the last thing my dad needs right now.

This GoFundMe is an attempt to recover my dad’s savings partially or fully and to bring back his peace of mind. In addition, we hope to spread awareness of the sophisticated nature of scams, which are on the rise nationwide. My dad told me that he is willing to consult with anyone who has questions about financial scams or is facing a similar situation. If you can contribute to this campaign, no matter the amount, we would greatly appreciate it. If you are not able to contribute, perhaps you can share this GoFundMe with others. If you are a victim or know a victim of a scam, my heart goes out to you.

Thank you so much for your time and support!