Bobby Gandossy has been my friend since the late 1970s. He grew up in East Haven and still lives there, using Social Security, Medicare, and SNAP to pay his bills.

His talents include finish carpentry and being a lead guitar musician. His passions include his friends and family, AA and CT beaches.

Like many older folks, he has developed a chronic illness. His is worse than most - a degenerative brain condition that has caused blindness and severe tremors in both of his hands.

Throughout his diagnostic journey, Bobby has remained hopeful. As he has lost his abilities to work with tools and play guitar, he continues to be an inspiration to other recovering alcoholics. He has 20 years of sobriety and goes to AA meetings every day. He runs and speaks at meetings. He saves people by getting them into recovery.

Bobby has been using his old Apple phone to stay connected to people in his life. He has learned how to use his voice to receive and answer voice and text messages. His phone no longer holds a charge, and answering phone calls is almost impossible for him to do. He can't see or touch the keys. He frequently misses important calls.

With advice from an Apple Store technician who has worked with blind customers, a new Iphone 16 has been recommended. It costs $800.

Please help me to raise enough funds to buy Bobby a new phone. I thank you, and he thanks you "very much".