Give A Ray Of Hope To Mr. Biltz–Ray The Bus Driver

     Raymond Biltz, also well known as Ray The Bus Driver, a Bay Village City Schools bus driver for 27 years, is sadly in a battle for his social security, being denied care suddenly last month without reason. Ray was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease back in 2016, a condition that doesn’t allow him to work anymore to earn income. His medications that were once covered under insurance is now his responsibility. Ray cannot survive without his medications, and he has told me that his limited income will not allow him to pay for them much longer. Recently sustaining a fall at his home, as well and a possible fracture to his shoulder, Ray cannot afford medical treatment without insurance. His situation continues to become more dire since receiving an unsettling letter, stating that nearly $600 will be required from Ray by this July 25 for a Medicare plan in order to stay legally compliant with the state. This is not true, and Ray needs you to help him fight.

     Ray would never ask for any financial help, so as his friend, my family and I are beginning a GoFundMe page in hope to retain a lawyer for Ray to fight for his elder rights, and with your blessings, hopefully, be able to assist with crucial improvements to his home to keep him safe (see list below). 

     My heart goes out to all who are facing this pandemic in the world right now. I wanted to bring to attention someone in particular that is so special and so very close to our hearts. If you are in a position to support Ray and can give back financially, and/or materials and labor, we thank you deeply for providing hope for Ray. If you aren’t, hope comes in many forms, and he could really use your thoughts and prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love, compassion, and anything that you can share with Ray at this time. God bless you for providing hope for this stellar man.


     Other ways that you can help Ray:

– Needs a washing machine and dryer unit and installation moved to the main floor

– Needs a handrail in bathroom shower

– Needs a ramp leading out his backdoor 

– Needs a railing on the side of his house at his backdoor 

– Needs a railing on his concrete patio and front steps

– Needs a porch light installed 

– Needs a doorbell

– Crucially needs a central air conditioning unit. His condition worsens without proper ventilation in his home. 


     I came to know Ray over the years by the long afternoons I spent with him helping tend to his plants. He became a new landscaping client of mine at first, and am happy to now call him one of my best friends. I have been helping Ray since his loss of coverage at no charge, but I am hoping that our community will join with me in a much greater way than I can do by myself. Perhaps you were the one that Ray was picking up and dropping off at the end of each school day. I am praying that if you have any special connection with Ray, that this can be your chance to give back and truly make a difference to someone in critical need during a time when the world feels like it's falling apart.


Raymond in the driver’s seat, reassuring all by saying “This may be my last time before retirement, but I’ll still be around!”