I've played basketball since I was 10 years old. I've known only brief periods of time when I didn't play regularly. When I got older I shuddered at the notion that I would never play again but I had friends with whom I could play nice, friendly, recreational games. Recently, that love for the game sent my world, and the world of my family, into a devastating tailspin.
My wife has worked hard to allow me to continue following my passion in teaching and being home with my sons: Liam, 6 and Oliver, 2. But with that freedom came sacrifices. I haven't had health insurance in almost 10 years. My wife and my children have always been covered but we have never made enough to pay for everyone. I've always been healthy and never thought anything would happen. On September 16th, all of that literally came crashing down on a basketball court where I was playing a game I love with friends for which I am thankful.
It is a very common injury in basketball, I have torn the patellar tendon connecting the kneecap to the lower half of my leg. I will be on crutches until the surgery which the medical community considers medically necessary - I can't avoid the bill that is forthcoming unless I never want to walk again on the leg. The surgery needs to happen within the next 10 days to 2 weeks. Please donate whatever you can, as quickly as you can.
So many dominoes have the potential to fall. I have been looking for full time employment for over 6 years and havent been able to find anything that makes sense for my family. Therefore, I am an adjunct instructor but because I am an adjunct, if I don't work, I don't get paid. This injury may keep me from going to work, at least temporarily. Me not going to work means the mortgage doesn't get paid. We have already been living one payment behind and paycheck to paycheck in terms of the mortgage so this could put the house in jeopardy.
Most people who know me know that I am a proud man. I don't want handouts and I don't like feeling dependant upon anyone or anything. But this event has pushed me over the brink. I need help. My family needs help.
The money will go toward the surgery. Most estimates for this type of surgery without insurance is 20,000-50,000 thousand dollars.
For the past three days I have been kicking myself. Why play basketball at 49 years old without insurance? Why not go for a walk with Liam? Why not go pick up Oliver and hang out at home? A million regrets. Regrets and worries that have kept me up since it happened.
If there was a way to avoid asking people for money, I would do it - I have been, and continue, trying various avenues and if a viable option comes up - I will take it and decline any money this page makes. But anything, even if we dont reach the goal, will help. I just can't lose the roof over our heads, the food in the bellies of my children or the ability to walk as they grow up.
I would be happy to compensate contributors with the skills that I possess. For example, I have provided lectures on various topics including exposure to violence and its effects on learning and development, childhood and workplace bullying, college success, child development and English composition. If you have a workplace and you contribute, I will be happy to come and lecture at your workplace or community organization. I don't want charity - I am happy to work the contribution off with the skills that I have available [you'll have to wait until I am mobile though] <smile>.
Please help with any size donation. Our home, my health and our piece of mind are at stake.
My wife has worked hard to allow me to continue following my passion in teaching and being home with my sons: Liam, 6 and Oliver, 2. But with that freedom came sacrifices. I haven't had health insurance in almost 10 years. My wife and my children have always been covered but we have never made enough to pay for everyone. I've always been healthy and never thought anything would happen. On September 16th, all of that literally came crashing down on a basketball court where I was playing a game I love with friends for which I am thankful.
It is a very common injury in basketball, I have torn the patellar tendon connecting the kneecap to the lower half of my leg. I will be on crutches until the surgery which the medical community considers medically necessary - I can't avoid the bill that is forthcoming unless I never want to walk again on the leg. The surgery needs to happen within the next 10 days to 2 weeks. Please donate whatever you can, as quickly as you can.
So many dominoes have the potential to fall. I have been looking for full time employment for over 6 years and havent been able to find anything that makes sense for my family. Therefore, I am an adjunct instructor but because I am an adjunct, if I don't work, I don't get paid. This injury may keep me from going to work, at least temporarily. Me not going to work means the mortgage doesn't get paid. We have already been living one payment behind and paycheck to paycheck in terms of the mortgage so this could put the house in jeopardy.
Most people who know me know that I am a proud man. I don't want handouts and I don't like feeling dependant upon anyone or anything. But this event has pushed me over the brink. I need help. My family needs help.
The money will go toward the surgery. Most estimates for this type of surgery without insurance is 20,000-50,000 thousand dollars.
For the past three days I have been kicking myself. Why play basketball at 49 years old without insurance? Why not go for a walk with Liam? Why not go pick up Oliver and hang out at home? A million regrets. Regrets and worries that have kept me up since it happened.
If there was a way to avoid asking people for money, I would do it - I have been, and continue, trying various avenues and if a viable option comes up - I will take it and decline any money this page makes. But anything, even if we dont reach the goal, will help. I just can't lose the roof over our heads, the food in the bellies of my children or the ability to walk as they grow up.
I would be happy to compensate contributors with the skills that I possess. For example, I have provided lectures on various topics including exposure to violence and its effects on learning and development, childhood and workplace bullying, college success, child development and English composition. If you have a workplace and you contribute, I will be happy to come and lecture at your workplace or community organization. I don't want charity - I am happy to work the contribution off with the skills that I have available [you'll have to wait until I am mobile though] <smile>.
Please help with any size donation. Our home, my health and our piece of mind are at stake.