Hello, my name is Keith Leff. I regret to inform you I've been struggling for quite some time, and I’m really hurting right now in more ways than one. As you may or may not know, I’ve been dealing with significant health concerns. Things have really been taking their toll on me mentally, emotionally and spiritually. As a result, I’ve come to the point where I’ve been battling depression and anxiety. I can tell you I’ve been clean and sober in recovery now for over 25 years, and nothing has the power to take that away from me. This I can assure you.

Everything started last year when I underwent eleven eye surgeries. Yes, that's correct, 11. The surgeries began with glaucoma and cataract surgery in both eyes. Unfortunately, several complications arose in both eyes, including detached retinas in both eyes. I came through the surgeries with my eyesight, but this was just the beginning of what has become an enduring financial hardship.

To further complicate matters, for about a month now, I’ve been experiencing increasingly severe pain in my right side. After an MRI last week, the findings showed I’m suffering from disc narrowing & desiccation, along with a posterior disc bulge. In addition I also have degenerative facet arthrosis as well as a superimposed central disc protrusion, and a large paracentral disc herniation with nerve root effacement. Unfortunately I'm going to require back surgery. I was hopeful I could have perhaps been a candidate for physical therapy or see a chiropractor. Or maybe even receive an injection along with some sort of pain management. I met with the neurosurgeon this morning for a preliminary pre-surgery consultation. Apparently, due to the magnitude and scope of the of the damage I have, I’m afraid surgery is the only option. Surprisingly, I have not yet hit my deductable this year, so my out of pocket expense is going to be astronomical for these procedures. Not to mention, I will be off work recovering for an extended period of time.

To add insult to injury, my wife has recently filed for divorce, and has been unwilling and uncompromising in trying to negotiate a fair settlement through mediation. She feels we must go to trial, which I have been told by numerous attorneys is completely unnecessary, not to mention extremely costly for what should be very simple and straightforward uncontested divorce. Of the several law firms I’ve discussed the matter with at length, there has been unanimous consent in what she feels she is entitled to constitutes unsubstantiated, unjustified, unreasonable overreach. Still, I’ve had to incur significantly more debt to retain legal counsel at this point. Mind you, all this after I stood by her for years through her chronic migraines, and multiple surgeries. So much for in sickness and in health, and for richer or poorer. My credit cards are maxed out, and I have no more savings or source of emergency funds.

To be completely honest and transparent with you, I am quite frankly at my wits end, and really am at a complete loss as to what to do at this point in my life. I have looked into filing bankruptcy, but the accountant I spoke with said I would not be a good candidate because of my employment, coupled with the fact it would cost me another inordinate sum of money, which I obviously don’t have.

With that being said, I really hate to ask for any type of financial assistance. However, I feel I regrettably have no other viable option at this point other than to rely on the kindness and generosity of others. If you’re able and willing to please help me out in any way, I would be most humbly and graciously grateful.

As a man of Faith, trust me when I say I’ve been praying. I’ve been doing my best to keep the faith. I know my circumstances are temporary, but I feel I’m hanging on by a thread. My resolve has been stretched to its limit, and I’m at a breaking point while broke. My resiliency has reached its end, and I find myself in dire straits. I’m alone, frightened and desperate. Thoughts and prayers are helpful, and I’m extremely grateful I’ve been the recipient of many. However, I must be real, practical and accept my plight. I have reached a crossroads during this station in this life, where I need more than thoughts and prayers, I need tangible financial assistance.

Please let me know if you can find it in your heart and your finances to lend a helping hand. I humbly and respectfully request your help please.

Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. God bless you, and Godspeed.

~ Keith