Need to make a few more CORE memories with my Dad !!

"It’s incredibly hard to write this. I’ve started and deleted this request countless times, but I know I need to ask for help. My dad, Frank Schober, is in hospice care, and, well in his exact words today “get here soon, ok?”

He had his first massive heart attack at 47, and since then, he’s faced numerous battles with his heart. Now, he’s in end-stage heart failure, confined to a hospital bed in his living room, at least 20 hrs a day. The man who filled every room with the rhythm of his drums can barely lift his head. It’s unbearable.

I knew this day would come, but I never imagined I'd be asking for help like this. I live in Alaska, and traveling to see him in St. Louis is a significant financial burden, especially becoming a single parent again and back to a one income home, since 2024.

I initially thought I’d wait for the inevitable call, rush back to STL , and say goodbye, even if he didn’t recognize me. But the thought of him not knowing who I am breaks my heart. When I see him, I want him to know who I am. I want to create lasting memories while he still can.

I need to see him, so we can share stories, laugh, and catch up on the years that have passed. I want him to FaceTime with my kids, to see their faces and hear their laughter. I want him to say to Paisley, “You talkin’ to me?” one last time, just like he did during her last visit, a memory she cherishes.

My sister and aunt have urged me to come home as soon as possible. But with living in Alaska, the travel is long and expensive. Living on one income with two teen boys the food bill alone is enough to send me into bankruptcy …hahaha had to lighten the mood a bit. This is breaking my heart. How do I do this? I have never lost a parent.

I simply can’t afford the trip and the necessary expenses while maintaining my home for my children.

That's why I'm turning to you. I'm asking for your help to raise funds for a roundtrip ticket to St. Louis and a rental car. My trip is tentatively set for April 11-18th. I also get to help him celebrate his 74th Birthday. It has been over 40 years since we were in the same room together, on his actual birthday.

I will be going to see him every day, even if he sleeps. Mostly can’t wait to talk about our favorite KCCHIEFS !!

Your generosity will allow me to spend precious time with my dad, creating memories that will last a lifetime. When the time comes for his funeral, I’ll know that our last visit was filled with love and connection.

Please, help me make this possible. Any donation, no matter how small, will bring me closer to seeing my dad. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."