Quality Of Life For John Akins

Hello. My name is Michael Carvidi. Linda Eisenhart, Steve Bopp and I started this GoFundMe account on behalf of our friend, John Akins, whom we have known since 1962 when we were high school freshmen in Wheatland, California. John’s health has deteriorated over the last 10 years to the point he is no longer ambulatory and is confined to a chair 24 hours a day.

John requires daily in-home nursing care and a variety of medical products to maintain basic dignity in his life. Sadly, John can see a point in the next few months when the monthly expenses of his small apartment rent, food, in-home care, and basic medical supplies will exceed his capacity to pay. We have created this GoFundMe account to help defray the costs of these expenses until other sources of funds become available to him.

John grew up in the rural town of Wheatland, California. Having a lifelong passion for the SF Giants and SF 49ers, he became an accomplished football and baseball player in high school as well as college. John served in the Army and completed a tour in Viet Nam in 1970. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, John earned a degree from Fresno State and began a 35-year career in the finance industry.

John’s career ended several years ago due to his deteriorating health. He has no family support structure. He lost his parents many years ago, as well as his four siblings over the last 15 years. John has kept in touch with Linda, Steve, and me over the years. It is a friendship we value tremendously.

John is a very proud and dignified man. I am sure it was difficult for him to reach out to me seeking support in assessing his situation and to work on a plan to assure that he can maintain the minimum shelter, care, and nutritional requirements he will need for the months ahead. After meeting with John, I reached out to Linda and Steve for help in creating this GoFundMe page.

John contacted the Veterans Administration and was able to obtain some support to offset the cost of his medical care and supplies, With the Veterans Administration support channel in place, we revisited John’s financial situation and concluded the expense of maintaining a minimum quality of life will exceed his monthly income by June of this year. It is unimaginable that John would ever have to decide between paying rent or paying for the basic in-home care required to survive.

John was hesitant to move forward with a GoFundMe approach, but eventually embraced the fact that he has many friends who may be in positions to help. He also understands some generous people may read this page and have compassion for his situation. John knows this GoFundMe account is not the long-term solution but could provide short-term relief while we pursue other federal and state support avenues.

Through the high and low points of his journey and considering the risks to his health, and uncertain outlook for his future, John’s ability to maintain a positive spirit and optimistic perspective has been an inspiration to Linda, Steve, and me. We humbly ask that you consider donating. Any amount will be greatly appreciated and will go directly to John. Please share this page with your friends and family.

We thank you for your support and God bless you.