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Supporting Our Hero: Help Joe Come Home

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Hello, and thank you for taking the time to visit our fundraiser. My name is Taylor, and I am the proud daughter of Joe—a man whose compassion and generosity have left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. My dad is the kind of person who would give his all to help someone in need.

Let me share a bit about his incredible story. Born in 1956 to loving parents, Dad grew up in a family deeply connected to service. My grandfather was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, during the attack on Pearl Harbor and, thankfully, survived to raise 10 children. Inspired by this legacy, many of my aunts and uncles served in various branches of the U.S. military. My dad, Joe, joined the Coast Guard and served during the Vietnam War, where he provided vital support to soldiers—both living and fallen.

In the 1990s, he met my mom, and together they built a loving family with three children. After his military service, Dad continued supporting veterans by working for the VA until his retirement. He has always been the first to offer help, whether for family, friends, or strangers. His life has been a testament to service, honor, and unwavering love for others.

On Thursday, January 2, 2025, our lives took an unexpected turn. My little sister went to Dad’s house to take him to a doctor’s appointment and immediately noticed something was wrong. He was struggling to breathe and not himself. She called for an ambulance, and he was rushed to the hospital. His oxygen levels had dropped dangerously low—to the 30s—and the medical team considered intubation. Thankfully, aggressive antibiotics, steroids, and oxygen therapy helped stabilize him without the need for a ventilator.

Dad has been in the ICU since that day, and while we’re grateful for his progress, the journey ahead is daunting. The prolonged low oxygen levels caused stress to multiple organs, impacting his ability to breathe, walk, stand, and speak. As a family, we’re doing everything we can to prepare for his recovery and ensure he can safely return home.

To make this possible, we need help. We’re raising funds to install essential modifications to his home, including a ramp, a walk-in shower, and safety grips throughout the house. These changes will help Dad regain his independence and adjust to his new circumstances. We’re also exploring at-home care services for a few days a week, though the details and costs are still uncertain.

We’re incredibly grateful for any support—whether through donations or simply sharing this fundraiser. Thank you for standing with us as we work to give back to a man who has given so much to others.
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    Organizer

    Taylor Dutton
    Organizer
    Merrill, WI

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