Donate to Gary Votour's Urgent Medical Needs

I'm Gary Votour, and for the last decade, I've been a health care advocate and social justice activist. Several months ago, intense pain in my shoulder led to a diagnosis that the disc between the C6 and C7 vertebra in my neck has deteriorated. The adjacent vertebrae are pressing on my spinal cord. This will only get worse if untreated, and eventually, I'll lose the use of my arm.

After several specialist appointments and diagnostic imaging that included CTs and MRIs, I'm scheduled to have the disc surgically removed on Feb. 10th. The orthopedic surgeon will replace it with titanium hardware.

I'll be in the hospital following surgery for at least one night, and my Medicare health insurance will pay for most of the procedure. I've been on Medicare due to disability for over 20 years, but this will be the first time I've had difficulty paying the copayment required. The surgery will cost $167,000, and my copay will be almost $1,700.

Please consider helping me raise the funds needed so the surgery can proceed. Since I am on disability, I have a fixed income. Copayments for specialist visits and diagnostic testing in the last few months have already been more than my income could afford.

With your help, I can get back to normal and spend more time helping others and hanging out with Maxine, my Carolina Dog. If you can't afford to help, that's okay. Sharing my GoFundMe on social media will help reach others who may be able to donate.

Thank you!