My father has always been the kind of man who gives everything he has to the people around him. He worked for more than 30 years serving his township, rarely taking time for himself, slowing down, and never asking for help. He has always been hands on and full of life. If something needed fixing, he fixed it. If someone needed help, he was already there. He has always been our steady, reliable foundation.

A few weeks ago, my father was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. I am incredibly grateful that the cancer has not spread and that it is treatable.

On November 25th he had a stent placed so he could eat more comfortably, and he already had a port put in for chemotherapy. As of December 4th, he has started chemo and will also be undergoing daily radiation for the next six weeks.

It is hard to see someone so strong face something so heavy. What makes this even harder is the timing. He retired this year after decades of hard work, expecting to finally breathe, relax, and enjoy the life he spent years building. But with that retirement came the loss of the excellent insurance he had during his time employed.

He has already paid a large amount out of pocket this year alone, and next year brings another significant deductible. These medical bills are hitting him at one of the most vulnerable moments of his life. The donations you provide today will be to pay for the chemo treatments, post chemo surgery, and any remaining treatments thereafter.

One of my father’s proudest accomplishments is the tiki bar he built in our backyard with his own hands. It was always his dream to have a little vacation spot at home, a place to relax and unwind after years of hard work. That tiki bar is a symbol of his determination and the joy he brings to our family. Out of respect for my father's privacy, the photo for this fundraiser is of the tiki bar itself, a place that represents his spirit, creativity, and the comfort he’s given us all.

My dad has spent his entire life putting others first. He is not the type to ask for help, even now. I am starting this GoFundMe to help ease the weight on his shoulders. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps take away one more worry and gives him room to fight. Even sharing this page means more to me than you know. Thank you for reading this and for being part of his fight. Your kindness gives him hope, and it gives all of us strength during this incredibly difficult time.

He will be receiving this as a gift for Christmas from our family