My dad, Lee Burningham, shouldn't be here.
After suffering an aneurysm and aortic tear, he was life-flighted for emergency open-heart surgery. We were told that he had only an 8% chance of surviving (20% chance of surviving the flight and 40% chance of surviving the surgery).
But Dad did what Dad does.
He fought. And he made it.
We're incredibly grateful to still have him with us, but his fight isn't over. He faces a long recovery, mounting medical bills, and changes in mobility that will require modifications to his home.
For 40 years, Dad has been a teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. Tens of thousands of pottery students and athletes have passed through his classrooms, studios, and teams.
But numbers don't really tell his story.
His story is all the individual people he's helped along the way.
Dad is the guy who shows up when someone is hurting. He is the guy who helps when there's a crisis. He gives his time freely, believes in people, and has spent his life trying to leave people better than he found them.
For once, we'd like to be the ones who show up for him.
We're asking for help with the medical expenses associated with his emergency surgery and recovery, as well as the changes needed to make his home safe and accessible as he regains his strength and adjusts to changes in his mobility.
If Dad has ever taught you, coached you, helped you, encouraged you, or simply made you smile, please consider helping him now.
If you can donate, thank you.
If you can share this campaign, thank you.
And if you can pray for Lee and our family, thank you.
We have already been given an incredible gift: Dad survived.
Now we want to give him every opportunity to recover, regain his independence, and enjoy the life he fought so hard to keep.
Let's help the man who has spent a lifetime helping everyone else.
