Support Chris's Recovery!

My name is Hayley Clark and I have set up this GoFundMe for my dad, Chris Balmanno.

My dad was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s Disease almost 15 years ago, at the age of 40. Early on, he was still able to work and even started his own business, one of his lifelong dreams. Even though his illness has since progressed and he has not been able to work for quite a while now, he has still maintained a positive outlook on life.

Recently, Dad underwent a full knee replacement surgery, a procedure requiring significant rehabilitation. Unfortunately, he sustained injuries while in rehab that required additional surgeries and also have delayed his recovery process.

As he moves through recovery, he requires 24-hour care, something his insurance does not cover. He has applied—and expects to qualify—for California state aid, but the approval process could take several months. Chris is on a limited income. His immediate family is providing as much financial and in-person support as they can, but there is still a significant gap that needs to be met in order to provide Chris with the care he needs to make a full recovery from this surgery.

While family are in place to help with his care, we have had to hire an overnight caregiver to assist him, at a cost of approximately $1,000 per week. We are doing our best to fund this but realize we can’t do it alone. If you are in a position to help, even the smallest amount will be gratefully received and put directly toward paying for a caregiver. Any additional funds raised will be used to help pay the mountain of medical bills from his lengthy hospital and transitional care unit stays.

He has made significant progress since leaving the hospital last month, from being fully immobilized in a cast to now moving about with a walker. Physical therapy is helping him to strengthen his knee, and we are certain that with proper care during these next few weeks, he will be up and walking again. If you can help us to ensure he gets this care, we would be forever grateful.

Thank you!!!

- Hayley Clark, Nick Balmanno, Julia Balmanno, Wendy Grillo, and family