Friends and family, this is something I never thought I would be doing. Most of you know that my son, Richard, has had a lot of medical problems in the last few years. He is scheduled for surgery in about 10 days (his 4th in just over a year). He doesn't have PTO. The first surgery was unexpected and sudden, the second was scheduled, the 3rd surgery was unrelated to his heart but also unexpected. This upcoming surgery (adding another device to his heart) is scheduled with a little notice upfront. He stresses about his finances and how he will keep up with his bills. His insurance should cover most of the medical. But he will be in need of money for next month's house payment, car payment, car insurance, and a few loans. In the past I have tried to pick up the slack. This time we are both pretty much financially exhausted. I worry that the stress he puts himself through beforehand is not helping matters. And as in the other 3 surgeries, he will go back to work before he should, before his body has a chance to heal and adapt. Because "I have bills to pay". If I could raise enough for him to pay these bills for the upcoming month, I believe that he would rest a little longer, as he should. And it would certainly lower the stress factor (for both of us). I hope no one feels obligated. If you can, please donate what you are able to....it all adds up. And if you can't, please know that I completely understand. Those of you who know Richie, know that he is too prideful to ask this on his own. That is why I hope to do it for him. Thank you in advance.