Patrick Haydel

I am writing to you on behalf of my dear friend, Dr. Patrick Haydel, who has been a significant part of my life for over 30 years. We have been family friends and later on became neighbors for over 17 years. It is with great sincerity that I wish to share my perspective on his character and the positive influence he has demonstrated throughout his life.

From our earliest days together, I have seen Dr. Patrick Haydel exemplify qualities of kindness, generosity, and loyalty. He has always been the person to lend a helping hand. We also chose him to be the godfather to one of our daughters. He also spent countless hours whether it was teaching my son to throw a football in the street to tennis lessons for my daughter. He definitely has a calling for serving others and has been extremely instrumental in playing a huge role in my kids lives.

One of my favorite

qualities that Dr. Patrick possesses is his positivity. Positive Pat will use this time he has spent in prison to reflect and not be bitter but better for the lessons he has learned. His faith will continue to motivate him to serve our community. I truly believe that Dr. Patrick will do better and more than before once he is given the opportunity to resume his life back home.

Sincerely,

Stacey Chesnut

I have been married to Patrick Haydel for over 25 years, and we’ve built a life together that includes raising two wonderful boys. Patrick has always been the kind of person who puts others first. His entire professional life was built on helping people — as a chiropractor, a mentor, a father, and a husband. Caring for others is not just something he did, it’s who he is.

Ironically, it was that same desire to serve and support others that ultimately led to the situation we are now navigating. Patrick’s federal conviction is the result of decisions made in a high-pressure environment, where he was trying to do right by his patients, his practice, and the people who depended on him. While mistakes were made, I know firsthand that they were never driven by greed or malice — but by a heart that wanted to keep helping.

This journey has been devastating for our family in many ways, but it has also shown me Patrick’s strength and character more clearly than ever. Despite everything, he remains hopeful, humble, and committed to growth. He is not bitter. He is using this time to reflect, take responsibility, and prepare for a better future — one where he can still serve, support, and lead with integrity.

We miss him every day, but we stand by him proudly. Patrick is a good man who made a mistake, took accountability, and is working hard to rebuild. I truly believe that he has so much more to offer this world, and that this chapter — painful as it is — does not define who he is or what he is capable of.

We look forward to the day when he can return to our family and to the community he once served with so much compassion. I share this letter not only as his wife, but as someone who knows his heart better than anyone.

With love and belief in redemption,

Lauren Haydel

Pat has been a lifelong family friend for almost 50 years. We grew up in the same hometown and remain close friends to this day. Pat was someone that I always looked up to. He was kind, optimistic, involved, and loved his family to the highest degree. Pat still possesses those same qualities and many more. He is involved in our community and is always very generous with his time and talents. Pat is a man of faith; I have witnessed his faith during life’s ups and downs. He is a family man who is missed tremendously by his wife and two sons. Pat is a kind, generous, and hard working man who has never met a stranger. He is loved and missed by many and we can’t wait for him to come home. Pat loves life and has so much good to give; I know the best is yet to come.

I have know Pat for almost 40 years. He has been one of my most genuine friends throughout our friendship. He has always represented himself with the highest of morals and values. He is a pillar of our community and has always treated everyone the same. All of his patients love him and regardless of anyone’s stature in the community he treated all equally. Pat has always been very generous. He is a family man that loves his family dearly and has always provided for them. He has a deep faith and is guided by his following of god. Pat has always been hardworking and driven. He is a dedicated professional and has been a leader for our community. We missed him dearly and want him home. We would all benefit from his presence.

Testimonial in Support of Dr. Patrick Haydel

By Michael Santos, Founder of Prison Professors

I am honored to write this testimonial in support of Dr. Patrick Haydel, a man whose actions, both before and during his incarceration, reflect a deep and unwavering commitment to service, integrity, and personal transformation.

Dr. Haydel has made extraordinary efforts to reconcile with society and to uplift those around him—even while serving time in prison. Through his consistent engagement with our nonprofit, Prison Professors, he has emerged as a mentor, educator, and example for others who are working to prepare for successful reentry.

In every interaction I’ve had with Dr. Haydel, I’ve seen a man focused not on excuses, but on action. He has taken full responsibility for his past and has chosen to define himself not by the worst decisions of his life, but by the countless ways he strives to make amends and add value to others. His contributions to our mission have been meaningful and impactful. He’s helped us shape educational content that teaches incarcerated people how to think critically, develop vocational skills, and live with purpose.

Long before his incarceration, Dr. Haydel was a servant-leader in his community. As a chiropractor, entrepreneur, and employer, he built a legacy of care—treating patients with dignity, mentoring young professionals, and building businesses that created jobs and improved lives. Even in the face of adversity—including natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic—he showed resilience and ingenuity, pivoting his business strategies to continue supporting his community.

Now, inside prison, he continues to serve—not for recognition, but because that is who he is at his core.

Dr. Haydel exemplifies what it means to rehabilitate. He is a man of faith, intellect, and humility. He invests in others, studies to improve himself, and reflects a value system that society should encourage. I believe in his character, I believe in his journey, and I wholeheartedly support his petition for early release.

Our country benefits when we recognize those who demonstrate authentic transformation. Dr. Patrick Haydel has done more than enough to earn that recognition. I respectfully and firmly recommend that he be given the opportunity to return home—where he can continue his legacy of service as a free man, a father, a professional, and a contributor to the good of society.

With gratitude and full confidence,

Michael Santos

Founder, Prison Professors

www.PrisonProfessorsTalent.com