Katz Family Recovery Fund

Alan Katz and his family need our help. After not feeling well for over six months, Alan was diagnosed in May with endocarditis - an infection in his bloodstream that landed at his heart. Because of how long the infection had coursed through Alan's body, two heart valves were irreparably damaged sending him into heart failure and requiring emergency open heart surgery to save his life. Thanks to the skills of his surgeon and some good luck, Alan survived the surgery. After a two-week hospitalization and another two weeks at an intensive rehabilitation facility, Alan has been recuperating at home.

But now Alan faces the comeback of his life. His convalescence is expected to take 6-12 months.  While he has started to write again, he is suffering from severe nerve damage in his left hand-- probably a result of the surgery -- that has rendered the hand nearly useless and in near constant pain.   He plans to dramatically curtail his school visits this year, thus forgoing an important source of income for a freelance writer. In addition to managing Alan's recovery and their busy household, Alan’s wife Rose has been freelancing as a journalist. But they have little to no income coming in.

Meanwhile, the medical bills are pouring in. While the family has basic medical insurance, in addition to the "covered" costs are an overwhelming and ongoing number of non-covered medical expenses and copays for multiple therapies, hospital-related expenses and doctor visits. (In addition, freelancers usually do not have disability insurance and often, no reserves.) While Alan and Rose are making the changes necessary just to keep their family afloat, they are unable to meet these unexpected added expenses.

Alan Katz is the kind of person who you would want to be your lifeline on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire". He's hard-working and willing to give you the shirt off his back. Despite his hectic schedule as a writer for television shows, comedians, and numerous childrens' books, Alan would do anything for his family, his friends and his community. For years he has cheered his kids at their various swim meets, plays and other school events. Alan also volunteers his professional time with frequent appearances in local schools, bookstores and libraries. He is well-known in Weston, Westport and beyond not only for his successful book series "Silly Dilly Songs", but also for his community involvement, his caring nature, and kindness.

Can we now be a community lifeline to Alan and his family? However you may know Alan, Rose, Simone, Andrew, David or Nathan, you will know that each of them is a hardworking, good person.

Please consider a donation large or small to help them cover these extraordinary medical expenses and help sustain them as they recover and stabilize their finances while Alan gets back on his feet.

Alan, Rose, Simone, Andrew, Nathan and David thank you.

With additional thanks from
the friends of the Katz Family