Support Uncle Ray… A generous heart, now facing hard times!

I want to introduce you to my Uncle Ray.

He is a 75yr old Husband, Father, Grandfather, uncle, & Vietnam Veteran, Uncle Ray is one of the most generous selfless people I’ve ever met.

When my uncle returned from the Vietnam War, he married my aunt and settled down to bring four beautiful children into the world. Unfortunately undiagnosed diabetes claimed one in 2016 at the age of 37. Leaving behind his 3 young children.

In their legacy, my aunt and uncle have five more grandchildren (8 in total) whom they give unconditional love, and support both financially and emotionally.

Uncle Ray was an entrepreneur with two businesses. During this time, he supported those who lost their jobs suddenly, or from a strike. Uncle Ray was approachable in the manner of, if you needed help paying your mortgage, buying food, borrowing - you name it! Uncle Ray was there for you. He took from his mouth and his pocket, never questioned, nor did he ever ask for anything back. EVER!!

With many of his clients working in the towers, 9-11 painfully forced him to close down his businesses.

I have fond memories as a child of him taking me, along with our cousins, to the beach, Great Adventure, and even dressed as Santa Claus because our parents themselves were struggling and he wanted to make it better. He will still deny this but I know!!

For over 50 years, Uncle Ray has done nothing but give his heart and soul to his family, friends, and those who needed help.

He worked with 20+ charities, including schools. He built a youth football league for boys ages 6-12, bringing it from 100-400. Along with the girls cheerleading from 30-100.

My uncle donated his time, his money, and was always fundraising. Imagine all of this in a 16-year-old Honda that accrued 243k miles that is impressively going strong!!

He also grew a vegetable garden, and used it to help feed the less fortunate.

What isn’t going strong is my uncle… The war (Agent Orange) and age have caught up to him. His numerous health issues have rendered him incapable of working - cardiac issues, diabetes, painful back problems that have made him reliant on leg braces to help him get around…

I’ve since learned that since he didn’t have actual employment, nor a salary, just his SS benefits, he started using his credit cards to help everyone buy groceries, gas, furniture etc: and because of this has accrued severe debt.

Pride, sadly, gets in the way. Yet, for him to admit to me the struggles in his finances? I knew it had to be BAD!! So I wanted to share his story, and see who would lend a hand to the man who gave his to others when they had nothing!!

My uncle isn’t asking for the help…I am asking for him..

It’s not easy to ask…but whatever you can spare, please help Uncle Ray.