I’m sure if you are reading this, you know my parents, or my brother or I. For those of you that don’t know my dad personally let me first tell you about his life. He is a loving son. He is one of 6 children and grew up in Bath, Pa. He married his high school sweetheart and they will celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary in May. He has two children whom he loves fiercely and 2 grandchildren who mean absolutely everything to him! He has a son-in-law and daughter-in-law that he adores. He also has had many fur babies over the years and one grand fur baby. He was drafted into the army right out of high school and spent 2 years serving his country. He had several jobs throughout his life including working for Martin Guitar, working for his brother-in-law in Colorado, and most recently working on his community’s golf course (free golf!). He was fortunate enough to live in 3 different states- Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Florida, where he currently resides. Over the years he has coached my brother’s basketball team, played on softball teams, bowled in leagues (he even had one 299 game), and spent much of his free time golfing with his son and friends. He has been fortunate enough to travel and has been to the Carolinas, Las Vegas, California, Alaska, Canada, and the Bahamas.

In February of this year, my dad developed a cough, complained of pain in the groin, and generally started to feel tired and not “well.” His doctor ordered a CT scan of the abdomen thinking we would find an inguinal hernia. Well- they did find that but they also found that he was experiencing symptoms of liver cirrhosis and infection in his abdomen. He was taken immediately to the hospital near their home and then transferred to a larger regional hospital. After a number of hospital visits, many procedures including having the fluid drained from his abdomen many times, and many specialist visits, he was diagnosed with end stage cirrhosis of the liver and we were advised to have him evaluated for a liver transplant. We took him to the Mayo Clinic in Florida, as they are ranked second in the country for liver transplant success. Unfortunately, on Wednesday we received the devastating news that he would not be listed given his age (74) and significant loss of muscle mass he has already sustained in less than 2 months. We were basically told to “take him home and keep him comfortable” until it is time for him to gain his angel wings. We are being told he has a few months left at best. We of course will not stop hoping and praying for a different outcome, as we know that if it is HIS will, miracles can and do happen. In the meantime we will keep him comfortable, provide as many more memories as we can, and cherish every moment he has left with us.

For those of you that know my dad personally, you know that he loves his friends and family with everything he has. He is the life of the party and brings so many laughs and fun memories to those around him (oh the stories I could tell!). He is a hard worker and is always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Over the years my parents have helped so many others whether it be by lending a physical hand, organizing fundraisers for others in need, or actually opening their home to others to stay and be cared for.

The purpose of this Go Fund Me is to now pay it back (or forward) and help my parents in their time of need. Until the end of February, my dad was still working at the golf course in their community 3 days per week and needed to stop abruptly due to his deteriorating health. My mom still works several days per week at Publix but has, and probably will continue to, miss some shifts to care for my for my dad and get him to doctor appointments or be with him in the hospital. We are anticipating more hospital stays, weekly procedures and continuation of many medications, some of which are quite expensive (one is over $1000 per month after their insurance pays). We are aware that everyone has needs and times are tough for many. First and foremost we ask for your love and prayers, offers to lend a helping hand if you are near by and perhaps a should to cry on or lean on. However, if you are able to and feel

so inclined we graciously and humbly ask you to donate to this Go Fund Me to help my parents cover medical expenses not covered by insurance, supplement lost income, and to cover travel/ meal related expenses with all of dad’s appointments and hospitalizations. Please feel free to share this!! Cards and well wishes are also welcome, and while phone calls are certainly appreciated, know that my dad’s ability to speak is very limited. Thanks for reading, praying, sharing the link, giving, etc.

With Love,

Jennifer and Matthew (his children)