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<div><strong>Welcome to Uncle Jack's "103 Trips Around the Sun" GoFundMe</strong>
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<div>Hi friends,
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<div>I’m Damon, writing on behalf of my Grand Uncle Jack, better known to many of you online as @AskUncleJack.
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<div>On July 31, 2026, Uncle Jack turns 103.
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<div>At this remarkable age, Jack is facing challenges that require daily care, comfort, and attention. He is living with advanced skin cancer beneath his right eye, and because of his age and the tumor’s location, treatment is no longer an option. Our focus now is on keeping him comfortable, providing consistent wound care, managing pain, and preventing infection.
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<div>Jack also struggles with something he calls “the lonelys.” At 103, the days can feel long, and regular companionship has become an essential part of his care. His companions bring conversation, laughter, friendship, and connection while helping him get outside and stay engaged with the world around him.
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<div>His living and medical expenses total approximately $6,000 to $7,000 per month, while his Social Security and VA income cover less than half. This campaign helps bridge that gap, covering assisted living, companion care, transportation, wound care supplies, and ongoing medical needs.
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<div>Your support makes it possible for Jack to receive the daily care and attention he needs. A one-time donation or ongoing monthly contribution provides real stability and helps keep him safe, comfortable, cared for, and surrounded by love.
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<div>For those who do not know Jack’s story, it began long before social media found him.
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<div>Jack is a World War II veteran, a naturalist, and a man who has made millions smile through his humor, wisdom, and humanity.
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<div>Jack and I have been best friends since I was nine years old. We spent years hiking, birdwatching, and catching lizards together. When my father passed away in 2008, I became Jack’s primary caregiver. With no spouse, children, or savings for long-term care, his care became my responsibility and one of the greatest honors of my life.
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<div>In 2021, as his needs grew, I started a GoFundMe and began sharing our story. The response changed our lives. Because of your generosity, Jack has spent the last few years living safely in a warm assisted living home, surrounded by wonderful people who help keep his days full of laughter, curiosity, and connection.
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<div>Our journey continues. Long-term care, wound management, and daily companionship remain essential to Jack’s comfort and quality of life. Every contribution helps provide peace of mind, stability, and the human connection he needs as we continue forward together.
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<div>As Uncle Jack likes to say:
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<div>“Kindness is free. Always has been, and always will be. I’m living proof. Just look at me!”
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<div>With love and gratitude,
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<div>Damon and Uncle Jack
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Help 103-Year-Old WWII Veteran Uncle Jack

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</div><iframe media_type="0" media_id="Feiuj0ogCx0" class="youtube-replace" title="YouTube video player" style="margin-bottom:20px;width:560px;height:315px;" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Feiuj0ogCx0/?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="1"></iframe>
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<div>In 2020, after Jim’s stroke, our community showed up for us in a way we will never forget. That support carried us through one of the most difficult chapters of our lives, and because of that generosity, we truly hoped we would never need to create another fundraiser. In 2022, we learned that lightning does sometimes strike twice. Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Over the past four years, we’ve learned a lot about the art of survival. We initially set out to do it on our own: no GoFundMe, no industry grants, no financial assistance. We nearly lost everything. Jim went back on the road in an effort to save us, but it came with the full realization that his time on the road had come to an end. After 35+ years as a tour manager, adapting to life off the road is challenging enough even without Parkinson’s. I continue to believe that Jim has a purpose. That a legacy awaits on the other side of this hardship. That he holds wisdom, lessons, and experiences that allow him to be of service in many ways. But he no longer has the capacity to earn. Jim also underwent spine surgery in May and is currently in a period of recovery and a lot is at stake. Best case scenario, he can have a peaceful recovery, begin intensive physical therapy and a Parkinson’s specific exercise program and we can help build him a stronger foundation for a future with Parkinson’s. Time has become our most precious resource. Your support can help us seize very precious hours, days, and years that may otherwise be lost. 
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<div> Funds will help us purchase a car, cover basic living costs, and provide time, peace, and stability as Jim recovers and we adapt to life with Parkinson’s. This support will also help my daughter have a meaningful senior year and allow us to focus on restoration rather than crisis. The past four years have been a struggle and we are so thankful we have survived. But we are at a point where we can no longer just make it from crisis to crisis. We appreciate all the help we got along the way, but if we want to take on Parkinson’s, we need a shift in mindset. Many small donations can add up, so sharing the link with a personal thought or story about Jim can go a long way. We are also sharing Jim's story on a Facebook page called Jim Runge IRL if you would like to know more or follow along. And finally, just keeping Jim in your hearts and rooting for us has power as well. Please only contribute if you can. Much love, Stacy.
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Operation Runge Restoration: Help Jim Take on Parkinson's

<div>Janurary 2026 will be  exactly 50 years our mom, Bertha, opened her home and her heart to her community. Today we are asking for your help to ease the strain of closing her daycare and to give her the financial support she desperately needs. The funds raised will help cover immediate living expenses, household bills, and transition costs so she can rest and begin the next chapter.
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<div>Mom has cared for generations of children. Families trusted her with their infants, watched them grow, and then brought their own children back to her warm kitchen and safe hands. That lifetime of giving is the reason so many of you know her as “Mommy Bertha.” She has always put others first.
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<div>In recent years she has been fighting cancer and the treatment has taken a toll. She is tired. The search for new families was difficult and the last months have been especially challenging. We are asking for support not because she wants pity, but because she deserves the same care and compassion she gave to so many.
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<div>If you can, please donate or share this page. Every contribution will go directly to helping with, utilities, medical-related bills, and everyday needs while she transitions away from daycare work. We will post updates so you can see how your generosity helps. Thank you for standing with Mommy Bertha and our family.
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Support Mommy Bertha's Next Chapter

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