Born into a military-connected family, his desire to join the armed forces began early in life. As a high school and college ROTC student, he trained for years before enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he spent 12 years in aviation. His dedication took him to Iraq, where he served his country with pride for 18 months.

“Joining the military is something I always wanted to do,” Timothy reflected. And he wasn’t alone in his sense of duty; the military runs deep in his family, strengthening his bond with service.

After retiring from the Army, Timothy transitioned into civilian life as a truck driver, another profession that demands resilience and long hours. He and his wife settled in Colorado, but family responsibilities soon called them back to Louisiana, where they could be closer to loved ones. They’ve needed them more than ever these last few months. 

Timothy’s father-in-law is currently battling bladder cancer, and the family recently suffered the devastating loss of Timothy’s sister, who passed away from lung cancer in September. That’s in addition to juggling the needs of their five children—three girls and two boys ages 21, 20, 18, 11 and 9. (Plus, one 7-month-old granddaughter who lights up their lives!)

The weight of responsibility is immense, but Timothy and his wife have continued to push forward. However, his health began to falter, bringing new challenges to his already heavy load. After returning from Iraq, Timothy developed lesions, and his sleep began to deteriorate. The VA healthcare system, meant to support veterans like him, unfortunately, became another hurdle.

Timothy receives care at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, but the experience has been far from seamless. More often than not, even simple checkups can become a half-day commitment. “I’ll drive up and wait an hour to see the doctor, sometimes more. And then I might only meet with him for five or ten minutes before heading back home," he explained.

On top of the long (and frequent) appointments, Timothy hasn’t always received the quality of care he deserves. His first doctor left much to be desired, with inconsistent medical records and inadequate attention to his health concerns. Thankfully, his new physician has been better, but the strain of these appointments can take a toll on his life at home. His sleep apnea, a condition where he stops breathing multiple times throughout the night, is extreme. A recent sleep study revealed that he stops breathing more than 30 times an hour.

"I couldn’t lay or sit upright at home because of my trouble breathing," Timothy explained. "My nasal blockage makes it worse while sleeping. The nights when my wife has to stay up to help me are hard on her too, especially when she has to drive me to the VA. It all affects me in really bad ways."

These struggles not only affect Timothy’s health but also his ability to care for his family. Exhaustion from lack of sleep and frequent trips to the VA means he’s often unable to help with driving his kids to school or making it to their medical appointments. The daily battles with fatigue have worn him down.

But this is one battle Timothy no longer has to face on his own. We recently connected with the devoted team at Asbestos Claims Law, who just like Chive Charities, fights for those who need a voice. Thanks to their generous angel sponsorship and thanks to the generosity of Chive Charities' donors, Timothy’s life is beginning to change. Recognizing the urgent need for rest and comfort, we stepped in with the kind of help that can make all the difference.

Thanks to you, Timothy received a massage chair and an adjustable bed with a specialized mattress, enabling him to stay elevated and sleep more comfortably. The total impact was $6,464. These necessary items have given Timothy a chance to experience restful sleep, something he hasn’t been able to enjoy in years.

Though his journey with sleep apnea isn’t over—he’s scheduled for surgery to address his nasal blockage—these new tools are helping him manage his condition in the meantime.

When Timothy isn’t tackling the challenges of his health or caring for his family, he loves to travel, go on cruises, and spend time building model planes with his son. Those moments, no matter how small, are what he holds onto—moments that Chive Charities donors have helped make possible.

Timothy’s experience reflects the challenges many veterans face when trying to get the healthcare and support they need. But with the help of Chive Charities and our incredible donors, gaps in care can be bridged, and veterans like Timothy can find relief from struggles that would otherwise go unseen or untreated.

It’s often disappointing to see veterans bring needs or concerns like this to our organization, because it seems like those who serve our country and sign a blank check deserve whatever it is they need. But thank goodness for people like you and organizations like Chive Charities for being there when other resources will not.

There are countless veterans like Timothy who face health challenges and financial burdens that slip through the cracks of traditional resources and insurance. Your support makes all the difference, providing critical assistance for veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. Join us in helping more heroes like Timothy get the support they need by donating today. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of veterans and their families.

For all those who served our country, Chive Charities has a community of supporters who will always have your back. Thanks for making this work possible. Thanks for being that beacon of hope. DONATE HERE.

Editor's note: If you'd like to connect with the team at Asbestos Claims Law, feel free to reach them here.