Many of you may already know, my dad Paul is a 76 year old man who is widowed and immigrated from Thailand over 40 years ago and lives in East Hollywood/Koreatown.

My dad has dementia, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and COPD. In Dec. 2024, after I completed law school and moved back to LA, I helped my dad adopt a 10 year old dog that he named Melvin. I had been wanting to get him a dog ever since my mom passed in 2020. I knew that a dog would help my dad with his high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes by getting my dad to walk frequently every day. I also knew having a dog would help my dad with dementia because he had some being he had to remember and care for everyday.

For a yr, Melvin and my dad have been 2 peas in a pod. My dad has lived alone for 5 years ever since he lost his wife/my mom. Beyond the physical health benefits, Melvin gives my dad companionship and helps my dad with his mental health. My dad has been a severely compulsive hoarder who often spends his free time gathering, organizing, and re-organizing items he finds on the street. By having Melvin preoccupy time in his daily life, my dad lessens his hoarding tendencies.

Last wk, Melvin started showing signs that he was not well, he started limping which turned into walking slowly, then walking only a few blocks, then only a few steps, to not being able to stand up on his hind legs. I had to rush him to emergency this past weekend when he no longer could stand or pee. After consulting with a neurologist, they decided he needed 3 MRIs due to pain in his neck, his back and possible neurological issues - all of which cost over $11k.

They found from the MRI that Melvin has inflammation in his brain. I was ready for the worst. Thankfully this is condition is treatable with medication and low dose chemotherapy which he started on.

All of the tests and treatment has ended up costing around $15k. As some of you know, both my parents were factory workers. My dad lives off a $1,300/month social security check that all goes towards his rent, bills, and food. He has no savings or any property or other monetary value. The little money my mom left went towards her funeral bills. That means I had to pay all $15k with my own money.

I love Melvin and I love Melvin for my dad, I'm so grateful he is getting treatment and is likely to get better.

However, this took a major toll on the little wealth I have been having to build for myself w/o any parental or familial support.

I hope you will consider helping me help my dad keep his companion for a little bit longer so that they can both continue to enrich each other's lives as long as they can.

Thank you!

Gofundme does take a fee so you can skip that and venmo me @treedboo