I am Linda, creating a GoFundMe for Paul, my x-husband and dearest friend throughout my lifetime. Many of his loving friends are encouraging this Go Fund Me endeavour, with a deep compassion for Paul and his situation.

Paul, after an unexpected diagnosis of cancer which metastisized and required emergency spinal surgery due to the cancer having reached up toward the neck ~ Has been in hospital since October 2022, followed by a few months stay at Lyndhurst Spinal Treatment Centre. He is now moving to Hillcrest, a temporary stay...until Long Term Care has a space , hopefully at Kensington Gardens.

Paul was hoping to return to his home. Where his life's work of painting, along with all else that is a part of his daily life ~ an enormous library of art history and of the painters who have come before him and have inspired him . A lifetime collection of music and literature.

Paul is unable to move his arms at all, and so he can no longer paint, nor continue writing the book he is in the middle of composing ...the list is long. He cannot feed himself, wash himself and whatever else he would need to use his arms to facilitate. He has been yearning to return home to his apartment and has now realized this won't be possible or safe. The Government offers up 2 to 3 personal support workers and we are told often just 2 come by in a day, however they do not help to feed someone who cannot do this themself, nor wash dishes and much that is essential. This is barely enough for Paul to be taken care of. We have looked into alternative or additional care, yet the lowest hourly fee is $31.00 and Paul would need full days of care. And so, Long Term Care Home is the outcome.

Why are we hoping to raise funds:

Paul is now able to walk , slowly and vigilently, indoors and spends most of his time in a wheelchair.

Now out of Lyndhurst, he no longer has the sort of wheelchair that is needed to support this specific type of spinal injury. All specs were given to us by a most wonderful caretaker at Lyndhurst, called Tess.

However, the main reason for raising funds, is so that Paul will be able to live the rest of his life in a private room with washroom, at the Long Term Facility.

Otherwise, the remainder of his life (and Paul could live for several more years, it is unpredictable) would be devoid of all of his belongings and what is familiar to have around him...being in a hospital room with 3 others. We have a friend living in a private room at the same facility, which, after much research, we are told has the best nursing care in the city. And in this private room there is enough space for Paul to feel less anonymous. This is more than important...to have his books, a painting or two, his musical components, all he identifies with surrounding him. The space is small, yet enough of what is familiar and essential to Paul could fit in. To have none of this and to live out life in a room with 3 others as he has been doing in hospital ~ Paul speaks of this as "My soul being parched". It is also so important to those who care for him and know him deeply, as i do ~ the alternative bringing so much sorrow .

The private rooms are $3,000 and this facility will be taking Paul's income from government pension which covers two thirds and so $1,000 more per month is needed ...to cover a few years.

And so, the funds would be used to help out ...for a beautiful soul, kind and precious ~ Paul Peregal.

If anyone is interested in purchasing any of Paul's artwork, you can have a look at his website , reading his biography as well. This could be an alternate way to donate ~ prices are negotiable and Paul would love this work to be owned and treasured by many. http://paulperegal.com (see reviews online describing his work)

In the name of love, empathy, generous hearts, the smallest amounts are so appreciated and larger for those can manage it. We want to say a huge Thank You, along with such Gratitude that has no bounds. Blessings to you all.

Paul's words to me concerning the importance of being surrounded by his belongings: "Without these personal symbols , supportive of my very psyche, i'd be without an identity, sliding into a vacuous state of mind. All lost, all at once."

Having his own space at Kensington, would mean a small room surrounded by bits of his life and could lift a spirit✴ of the dearest person, out of a dreaded way to spend the rest of his life. His wit and intellect is as swift as ever. Losing use of both arms and loss of all hearing in one ear changes life enormously. It has been shocking and Paul attempts to adjust at every turn.

He's a beautiful man, poet, painter, writer and a brilliant mind. And oh, what a Soul! Gentle and loving.

THANK YOU THANK YOU ❤

***April 8th . As of yesterday, Paul can walk with much more ease and has even ventured outdoors, What a celebration! Top Neurologist and Oncologist doubted this could ever happen. Anything is possible, as long as we are here, alive!

Paul has just been accepted into Kensington Gardens, into the private room and bath for mid April.

There is enough to pay for a few months, and so in order to remain there and settle in,

we can only hope this GoFundMe can make a long stay possible.

BLESS YOU ALL for even the smallest donations.