My dad, John Wallen, is one of the strongest and most selfless people I know. At 63 years old, he has spent the last decade quietly fighting a difficult health journey, one that many people never realized he was going through. Around 2014, he has been living with atrial fibrillation, managing symptoms while continuing to work and support those around him.

Around that same time, my dad also faced another challenge. Like many self-employed Americans, changes in the healthcare system made it extremely difficult for him to find affordable coverage. As a result, he has gone many years without health insurance, paying out-of-pocket for medical needs whenever he could. Because of this, his care has often come from multiple providers, and now his bills are spread across different hospitals, specialists, and agencies, making them not just overwhelming, but incredibly difficult to track and manage.

This year, things took a sudden and heartbreaking turn.

In April, he admitted himself to the hospital after experiencing shortness of breath and dangerous fluid retention. What we thought might be a relatively simple solution, quickly became a crisis. He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and everything changed overnight.

In May, he underwent open heart surgery to repair his mitral valve. Seeing him wheeled into an operating room for major heart surgery was one of the most difficult moments our family has ever faced.

The months that followed brought even more challenges. In July, he developed cellulitis and again struggled with fluid imbalance, leading to another hospitalization. Every setback has taken a toll on his health, his energy, and his ability to recover financially.

Today, my dad is doing everything he can to heal; slowly, steadily, and with the quiet determination that has defined him his entire life. But without health insurance, his medical bills are staggering, scattered across multiple providers, and growing by the week.

My dad is not someone who would ever ask for help himself. He has always shown up for others; without attention, without complaint, and without expecting anything in return. But right now, he could truly use the support he has spent his life giving to others.

We are raising funds to help with his mounting medical bills, ongoing care needs, and the financial strain that has built up after months of hospitalizations and major surgery. Every donation, share, and encouraging message will help lift some of the weight, so he can focus fully on his recovery.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting John on his road to recovery. Your kindness means more than you know.

- The Wallen Family