My name is Chris, and at 56 years old, this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do — ask for help.

I served in the United States Navy and have spent most of my life believing that no matter how hard life became, you just kept pushing forward. Over the years I’ve endured 32 surgeries, and last month I suffered a stroke. Recently, I was also diagnosed with skin cancer.

But none of my own health struggles compare to watching my 14-year-old daughter Emma suffer.

I’ve had custody of Emma since she was just 1 year old, and she has always been my reason to keep fighting through every challenge life has thrown at us. In the last month, our world changed completely. Emma was diagnosed with POTS and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and the energetic, happy girl I know now spends most days in bed exhausted, weak, and struggling just to get through the day.

We live over two hours away from her specialists, so our lives have quickly become filled with long drives, medical appointments, testing, medications, overnight stays, and constant uncertainty. The cost of travel, gas, food, hotels, and medical expenses is becoming overwhelming. Between trying to care for Emma while also dealing with my own serious health issues, I’m reaching a point where I simply cannot do this alone anymore.

I never imagined I would be in a position where I needed to ask others for help. Pride has kept me from it for a long time. But as a father, I will do anything I can for my daughter.

We are holding onto faith, prayer, and hope that brighter days are ahead for Emma. Every donation, prayer, and share helps lighten the burden and allows me to continue getting her the care and treatment she needs.

If you’re unable to donate, we completely understand — your prayers and sharing this campaign would still mean the world to us.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for taking the time to read our story and for standing beside us during one of the hardest seasons of our lives.

God bless,

Chris & Emma