Sculptor has to have eye surgery for.

I'm a self-employed artist & veteran involved in a variety of designer tasks, including, jewelry designer, model maker, sculptor, masonry, and most significantly as a stone carver; I hand carve lettering in stone, granite, & wood for memorial stones, business signs, Yes I was the Sculptor that did the first Cobra Baroness & the Cobra Symbol, etc. Additionally, I supplement my income during the warmer weather providing landscaping services and yard work. Most all of these tasks require relatively strenuous lifting and exposure to dust and flying debris.

I am forced to have an eye operation on 30 May for Glaucoma or risk the loss of sight or focus ability in my right eye. The recovery period mandates I not do any lifting or strenuous work or expose my eye to any dust or particulates for 6 to 7 weeks, minimally.

Being self-employed, I am not eligible for any state assistance via disability or unemployment insurance. Because of the loss of income during the recovery period and the inevitable hardship this would cause my family during this recovery period; I have previously delayed this demanding surgery on my eye. Now I am compelled to enlist the support of family, friends, and recipient of my past labors. We will greatly appreciate any assistance provided to get us through this difficult period in our lives.

You can see some of my works at the link included. Given the nature of my career and life’s work, you can imagine how nervous I am.

http://s175.photobucket.com/user/wwwriondocom/library/

Thank you in advance - Riondo (Rio) Ribeiro, Sculptor