Cousin Avi Takes On Cancer

As many of us know, our dear Cousin Avi (Avi Ross) was in the hospital recently, regaling us with tales of being chased down by volunteer grandmas who were trying to keep him from leaving his bed after emergency surgery for an obstructed colon.  

Sadly, it turns out to be cancer: a malignant tumor in his colon. The good news is that it hasn't spread, but Avi does need further surgery, and very soon. Unfortunately, he's not covered by national health insurance in Taiwan, where he lives, and must pay for everything out of pocket, which he cannot afford.

Let's help Avi take on this tumor!  I know who'll win. 

Here's Avi in his own words:  

I recently experienced very severe abdominal pains. After a week of stabbing hot pokers, I went to the hospital expecting to be prescribed some serious drugs to alleviate the condition.  Computer tomography revealed an obstructed colon. Doctor advised that I required emergency surgery to clear the obstruction and ensure that my intestines did not perforate. That surgery was a success but, not being covered under Taiwan's National Health Insurance program, I had to pay cash for the procedure, depleting my financial resources (which were not extensive) to less than zero.

I met again with the doctor last Monday. He confirms the bad news: I have a malignant tumour in my colon. Cancer.
 
Good news: it has not spread - my liver, blood, etc. are all clear.  The problem is contained in one angry lump.  This, says the surgeon, makes me an excellent candidate for "curative surgery" (a much nicer term than malignant tumour). They intend to excise the tumour and some associated lymph nodes - prognosis is that this should completely resolve the problem.

Doctor Lin wants to schedule laparoscopic surgery as soon as possible, which brings me to the pressing issue: as noted, I am not covered by National Health Insurance in Taiwan and must pay for this next surgery out of pocket. 

And so, on to the difficult part. I am loathe to ask for help from others - family, friends, passing acquaintances... but, circumstances being as they are, I have few options. What I have in mind is maybe you could buy me a beer, or a pack of smokes, or even a pizza. I'll be pulling together what cash and sofa cushion change I can and every little bit helps. If I can put the touch on a couple hundred acquaintances for a pizza...
 
With most humble thanks for any assistance you may be able to offer. 

Avi