Hey everyone,

I've always been the type to keep personal stuff close to the chest if I can. But right now, I'm facing some serious challenges that have left me in a tough spot, and I need to lean on my community more than I'd like. If you've ever felt that mix of embarrassment and desperation when asking for help, you get it. It's humbling, and yeah, as a guy raised on that "pull yourself up" American grit, it stings a little extra. But the alternative? Way worse. So here I am, hat in hand.

Over the past year, escalating and dire health issues have made it difficult to work steadily, wiping out my savings in the process. Things have been uncomfortable and frightening.

I've been lucky to find a very specific treatment program at UNM Hospital—one with a strong track record (over 70% success rate) that gives me real hope for healing. It starts soon and means an inpatient stay of 2-4 weeks, followed by 6 weeks of outpatient follow-ups. That back-and-forth between Taos and Albuquerque will keep me sidelined from reliable work until mid-December at least. It's intensive, invasive, and requires close medical oversight, and honestly, a whole lot to wrap my head around as far as what state I come out of this in. But I'm committed to it because a chance at beating this is worth every bit of the unknown.

The hard truth: I'll be coming out of this flat broke, essentially starting from scratch. I've been generous in the past when friends needed a hand, and it never felt like a big deal—but I still hate doing it myself. Putting this out there terrifies me. I'm isolated these days, and part of me worries no one will show up. (If that's you reading this and thinking, "Are you crazy Cory, I got you," it means the world.)

I'm prepping as much as I can before things ramp up—I'll likely be out of commission for a couple weeks starting Thursday, Oct 9th. No cards, no flowers needed. No heroics needed; just whatever you can spare without stretching yourself thin. Every bit helps cover basics like rent, gas, dog food, or groceries while I recover and rebuild.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading this far. Your support—financial or just a kind word—reminds me I'm not as alone as it feels. Here's to brighter days and big fish ahead.

...And hey, once I'm through this, I promise I'll be back to my weird self, bombarding you with dumb songs and silliness. Hopefully better than ever. That's a promise.

With gratitude,

Cory