My name is Riley, and I’m raising funds to help my dad, Ted, with unexpected medical expenses after a sudden and terrifying health crisis.

A few months ago, after a long day of fishing, my dad pulled a tick off his side and didn’t think much of it. None of us did. Recently, he woke up unable to see out of his left eye and it spread to his right eye. An emergency visit to his ophthalmologist and bloodwork confirmed the cause: Lyme disease from that tick bite.

Within days, he lost the sight in his right eye as well.

He has spent the last five days in the hospital, and while he’s finally home, he still needs daily home healthcare, including a visiting nurse and 14 days of continuous IV medications to help restore his vision. Insurance only covers the supplies — not the nurse, not the visits, and not the specialized follow-ups with retinal specialists and infectious disease doctors.

This fundraiser isn’t a plea for charity; my dad is stubborn and hates asking for help. But right now, he needs support to cover these medical costs so he can focus on healing and hopefully getting his sight back.

Anything you can give means more to us than you know. Thank you for taking the time to read and share.

— Riley