Get Doug on Disability

My 56 year old dad, Douglas J. Fugere, was diagnosed with pulmonary scleroderma a few years back. Basically, the cells in his lungs are scarring, which is making it harder and harder for him to breathe. He's been working closely with his doctor to treat the illness the best he can, but there is no cure. 

The first goal of this gofundme is to raise enough money so my dad can get out of debt. He is hesitant to go on any government funded program while he still has outstanding debts. He's whittled away at it for years, and has gotten it down to only $5,000.00. He is adamant about paying that off before anything else. I think it's his way of knowing that my mom or I won't be burdened by it if things go south. It would probably take him and my mom another year (at least) to pay this back while maintaining their current bills and I'm worried we don't have that kind of time.

My husband and I were able to get him a portable oxygen condenser ($2,100.00) so that my dad can continue being up and about, safely. His insurance wouldn't cover it, despite his prescription, which is a whole other story. We've been trying to help as best we can, however, things are starting to accelerate because of the west coast wildfires. He can't use the machine or go outside due to the hazardous air conditions. Despite all, my dad is a stubborn man, and keeps pushing himself to go to work even though he often gets sent home. He's a machinist, and to beat the Oregon heat this summer, the shop doors have been opened frequently to cycle the air. While he's been struggling to get through his work days since his illness started, now it's gotten to the point where he physically cannot go.

Due to the lack of oxygen getting to his brain, he has occasionally fallen unconscious. It's happened a few times in safe-but-otherwise-unusual situations, but last week he recently fell and split the back of his head open while going up stairs. After this most recent spill, his doctors and family have advised him not to drive.

If possible, the second goal for this gofundme is to get my dad compensated for a few months of not working so that he can entirely focus on getting disability. If we could reach $7,200.00 that would give my dad a good shot at making it. He currently has been offered 3-months of disability leave from his job at 2/3 the pay. After the first month of not working my dad will become eligible to apply, and 2 months to get his application perfected. I know that the application process can take from 6 months to  a year. Low-balling it at 6 months would mean we need help with the extra 1/3 of his pay ($1,800.00) and the other 3 months not covered by his company ($5,400.00) so any extra help we can get would be extremely appreciated. My dad pays for all of the bills, while my mom's income can pretty much only supplement food and gas.