Hi, my name is Brian Vlasák, though to my friends I’m known as Dr B. I’m an auteur, composer, writer; builder of theatrical worlds; teller of stories; philosopher of æsthetics, healthcare, and metaphysics. Dual-wielder of a PhD & an MFA. 

The most important part — I’m a loving human who adores cats, crosswords, and a simple cup of coffee.

I have two rare diseases that are symptomatic: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Type I, both of which were discovered later in my life. A third cluster of dysfunction, disordered sleep, consists of both insomnia and multiple parasomnias manifesting as nightly recurrent states of delirium, fragmented sleep, and dream enactment. Sleep is both needed and dreaded, because I sometimes wake up even as I continue to dream, have chipped my teeth, and on more than a few occasions been found to have incurred dislocated joints and even broken bones.

I’m fully and permanently disabled. I have been unhoused for five years — first squatting in a building scheduled for demolition, and now living in a friend’s attic. Money is extremely tight.

This fundraiser has been designed to help me pay for treatment, manage critical expenses, and regain the autonomy to write, compose, create … and stay alive.

• • • — — — • • •

N.B.: ALL FUNDS will be directed toward medical bills — genomic and repeat serologic & radiologic testing (not covered by insurance); pursuing clinically-backed avenues of treatment for CRPS, OI, and disordered sleep (not covered by insurance); ongoing physical and psychological therapy (also not covered by insurance); assembling a multidisciplinary team of medical specialists; purchasing fresh, high-quality, nutritious food; and maintaining critical utilities such as data connectivity.

It’s a list that feels insurmountable. Still, I firmly believe — with your help — I will persevere.