Help Tony Get Back on the Road

This is a fundraiser for my brother, Tony. Despite having the worst luck in the world, my brother was born with a genetic disorder called Ectodermal Dysplasia. In a nutshell, among a few other things, he has no sweat glands. It's been a small triumph that he has made it as long as he has without a major episode.

While a younger man, he learned to negotiate the Texas summers by always wearing a wet shirt, it's the only way he can cool himself. Needless to say, you don't find a lot of office work wearing a soaking wet shirt, but he did find a few warehouse jobs driving a forklift. He has been able to manage pretty well, but as the years have rolled on, the regular ailments and things that we all go through are worse for him.

Three years ago, he was diagnosed with a heart condition that causes severe shortness of breath on exertion, but he managed to work through it. Until last week, after having his car totaled, he still found a job through a temp agency in Ft. Worth, riding the bus to work. On day 88 of his 90-day probationary job, he had a severe heatstroke and was let go by the company.

So now, he has no way to find a job or get around. I am trying to raise enough money to get him a used car. He has been through a lot, but hasn't given up. I'm not sure I could have hung in there as long as he has. I'm not trying to paint my brother as a saint or someone to pity. He will be the first to tell you some of his struggles have been because of bad choices, but a lot of it is bad luck. If you can help, it would be most appreciated. Thanks for reading his story.

Mark Ruehrmund