Getting Back on Track

Hello Everyone!

I have never written an appeal such as this before, but I was hoping that whoever reads this would be willing to try and help or at least pass on the story to someone who could.

My best friend Tony damaged the cartilage and tore the meniscus in his knee while on a trail ride several years ago and has been having debilitating knee problems ever since.  In 2010, his knee weakened to the point where he had to undergo months of physical therapy followed by the only surgery he could afford; a re-positioning of the knee, held in place with screws.  He was told this would last for 10-15 years, at which point they would hope that some new affordable procedure would be developed. Alas, it did not fix the problem and after three surgeries in the past 18 months, he now has to have a fourth.   However, because this one will basically give him a brand new knee it is far more expensive and the hospital won't perform the procedure until he can pay a significant portion up-front.  As you can imagine, this is not really an option. Between the initial deterioration in his knee and the subsequent surgeries, he has been unable to work for almost two years now.  This has left him in the horrible position of being unable to afford to fix his knee, but unable to get a decent paying job because of his immobility and inconsistent schedule related to the surgeries.  Compounding the problem is the fact that the State has rejected his request for disability assistance now for the second time. Further, his family is very much struggling themselves, so understandably they cannot offer him much in the way of financial assistance.

I make this plea because Tony is far and away my best friend and it kills me to see him in such dire straits.  He is easily one of the most intelligent, funny, clever, and resourceful people I know, but string after string of bad luck has taken away a lot of the zest for life that was always his trademark.  I know in my heart that if he can get himself healed physically then he can get back on- track with school (he was moving toward his RN), return to the workforce with a rewarding job, and take charge of his life.  Having worked as a firefighter and in hospital security, Tony has always been the type of person that would give his life for someone in need.  Now that he is the one in need, please join me in giving him his own life back.  

I would be so incredibly appreciative for any help that you can offer; whether it's a donation of any amount, sharing this link, or forwarding on the information to someone you know who might be willing.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like some more information. 

Thank you!

Luke