A note from my Mom:

 

Last week my cousin Garfield Phillip Furnell was admitted into the hospital with abdominal pains, after several tests he was diagnosed with sigmoid volvulus. This is a common type of colonic volvulus and occurs when a portion of the intestine twists around its blood supply. This is a medical emergency and he needs surgery immediately. 

Garfield was born premature with a number of birth defects, including sight, speech, hearing & intellectual disabilities, after his mother contracted German Measles (Rubella) in the 3rd trimester of her pregnancy. The lifelong consequences of her contracting German measles and passing it on to her baby has been devastating for him. At the age of 50, he has survived the complications and lived through the passing of his father, the loss of his mother few years ago, no siblings, leaving him alone in this world. He never held a job and he has no income.

He has no health insurance, we are trying to raise $20K for the cost of the surgery, the stay in the hospital and after care treatment.  He has never required hospitalization in the past, we know he can beat this, we just need to help him get through it.  With a little donation we can get him back on his feet. He is the sweetest, kindest human being I know and it’s the first time he is asking for our help.  Thank you all.