My name is Nicholas Montgomery. I am a 70-year-old veteran, a husband of 47 years, and a proud father of five children. For decades, I’ve provided for my family as a butcher, but now, debilitating pain and loss of function in my hands threaten my livelihood, my independence, and my ability to keep giving back.

🏥 The Challenge

I have no cartilage left in either hand. Every day, my hands swell and ache with pain, a relentless 10 out of 10. I drop things constantly, struggle to button shirts, and can no longer enjoy hobbies like grilling. Even simple tasks, like driving or getting dressed, have become difficult. My surgeon told me there is very little that can be done as “There’s almost no cartilage left.”

Despite these challenges, I continue working as a meat cutter at Publix to support my family. The pain is excruciating, but I push through because I love my work and the customers I serve. If my hands get any worse, I will lose not just my income, but also a trade I love, and my ability to provide for my family.

🌟 Discovering Hope

Cortisone shots have offered little relief and may be causing more harm than good. For the past two years, my condition has only worsened. I’ve had to give up many things I love, from wearing nice shirts to grilling for my family. Even going out or driving can be overwhelming.

But I’m not ready to give up. I am seeking advanced treatment in hopes of regaining control of my hands, reducing my pain, and restoring my quality of life. I want to keep working, keep giving, and keep being there for my family and community.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family, Service & Legacy

I’ve been married to my wife Patricia for 47 years. We’ve raised five children together, four boys and one daughter. We’ve faced unimaginable loss: our son David was murdered at 17 in Philadelphia, and our daughter passed away at 42 from natural causes. My oldest son lives in Philadelphia, my second son is in New Jersey, and my youngest son just retired from the U.S. Air Force.

Despite all of this, I’ve always been a giver, not a taker. My son says that asking for help is my biggest flaw. But now, I need help to keep supporting my family and to continue mentoring other veterans in the trade I love. I want to show other veterans that there’s a path forward after service, and I hope to bring them along in the meat cutting profession.

💰 The Financial Reality

With low Social Security and pension, I have no choice but to keep working. The cost of advanced treatments is far beyond what I can afford. Every day I work through pain because I have to, but also because I love what I do and the people I serve.

Your support can help me access treatment that could restore my hands, relieve my pain, and allow me to keep working and giving back. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference for me and my family.

⏰ Why We Need Your Help

With your help, I hope to:

Regain use of my hands and reduce my daily pain
Continue supporting my family and remain independent
Mentor and support other veterans in finding meaningful work
Restore my quality of life and keep doing what I love

🙏 Gratitude and Hope

Thank you for reading my story and for considering a gift that could truly change my life. I’ve always tried to help others, and now I’m asking for help so I can keep doing just that, for my family, my customers, and fellow veterans.

Every contribution brings me closer to healing, independence, and a future where I can keep giving back.

Support Nick Montgomery's Healing Journey