Hi, my name is Michael Long and I'm fundraising for my good friend, Gabe Rivera, who has been suffering from an autoimmune disease for eight years. A couple of things about Gabe that you might know are that he is a single father and a loyal friend to those in need. Something that you might NOT know about Gabe is that he has Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. He doesn't tell people about his medical condition, yet this condition renders him disabled during flare-ups, which are painful, debilitating, and increasing in frequency. Over the last eight years, this has resulted in an inability to keep up with bills, rent, and basic necessities. Gabe is capable, proud, hardworking, ambitious, and was only willing to accept my help in setting up this fundraiser because he realizes that his current situation is unsustainable.

In everyone's life, there is a time of desperate need and despite how humbling it can be to admit to needing help, there is a time to ask for and accept it. Please consider donating any amount to help Gabe reach his goal at a time when his condition is worsening and his challenges continue to increase. I know that times are tough for many of us, so anything you can do to help Gabe and his family is greatly appreciated.