Medical, Travel, & Other Expenses for JR Franklin

My name is Will Franklin and I'm raising money to help my father, JR Franklin, with travel and medical expenses. 

After seeing a specialist at Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute in Baltimore, MD, my father learned there was no cure for this disorder that affects both of his eyes - non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy , or NAION.

Basically, everything he sees in front of him looks like one giant blur. He cannot read, write, see a computer or television screen. He can't make out a person's face or see how many fingers the doctor holds up a foot in front of his face.

My father will end up needed to spend time in Maryland at the Low Vision Center with the hopes of learning how to use eSight glasses to help him see again. 

Right now, my father is on short term disability and is only bringing in a little over half of his paycheck. Travel expenses, medical bills, and other expenses are going to take away most, if not all, of his paycheck. In the meantime, he still has other bills he needs to pay. 

My father is one of the most genuine, nicest, kindest men you will ever meet. That’s not hyperbole or bias on my part. Feel free to ask anyone who knows my dad and they will tell you the same thing. He’s the kind of guy who will go out of his way to help a stranger and doesn’t expect anything in return. He loves God, his family, and his job.


Dad teaches others how to use and work on certain forklifts. This job has him flying all over the world — from Texas to California, Mexico to China. When technicians have a problem, dad is usually the first person they contact. He’s out on short-term disability right now, and he absolutely hates it. My father is happiest when he’s busy. While some people prefer to stay home and not work, my dad is the exact opposite. Again, feel free to ask anyone whether or not I’m telling the truth.