Help Support Richard During Stroke Recovery

I’m writing this on behalf of my friend Richard, with his permission.

Richard recently suffered a stroke and is now medically stable, but his recovery is just beginning. While he understands what’s being said to him, he is experiencing significant speech and communication difficulties, along with coordination issues in his right arm and hand. These challenges currently make it impossible for him to manage daily responsibilities or return to work.

Richard is the kind of person who quietly makes the world better without waiting to be asked. When I was living in a different city and selling my house, he noticed the yard had grown unkempt and simply took it upon himself to mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and tend the flowers — no request, no expectation, just care.

That same instinct shows up in his work as a handyman and painter. He takes pride in improving the spaces people live in and paying attention to details others might overlook. On more than one occasion, he noticed that the welcome sign in Ocean Beach had faded from weather and time — and the next day, he showed up and repainted it. Not for recognition, but because it mattered to him that his community felt cared for. Richard looks for what needs tending — a home, a neighborhood, a small overlooked detail — and offers his hands and heart to make it better.

Richard makes his living as a handyman and painter — work that depends entirely on physical coordination, mobility, and clear communication. Until he regains those abilities, he has no way to earn income.

Although he has been cleared to leave the hospital, Richard requires round-the-clock support for a period of time. He is currently unable to schedule medical appointments, drive, arrange transportation, or reliably communicate in emergencies. Because of this, the hospital will not discharge him without a care plan in place.

Richard has access to basic medical coverage for essential therapies, which will help support his physical, occupational, and speech rehabilitation. However, coverage alone does not address the day-to-day realities of recovery — including caregiving support, transportation, and basic living expenses during what is likely to be a prolonged period without income.

Friends are working together to help coordinate care and support during this transition, but there are immediate financial needs while Richard focuses on healing. If this fundraiser were up to him, he likely wouldn’t ask for help — which is why his friends are stepping in to do this for him.

Funds raised will be used to help cover essential living expenses, care support, transportation, and other necessities during this critical recovery period.

If you’re able to donate, thank you. If not, sharing this page also makes a meaningful difference. We deeply appreciate the kindness and support being shown to Richard as he works toward recovery.