Good friend needs urgent oral surgery; med debts

Hi there.

This is for my friend Richard Brooke from Utah. Sometimes people fall on hard times, but Richard is the person who has survived the greatest amount of financial, health, and social obstacles I have ever met. He fiercely holds onto his faith in God to guide him each day, but each day is a struggle.

Unfortunately, his most pressing issue is the need for emergency oral surgery ASAP to treat a possible infection in his gum due to a crown that came loose. This is an emergency because Richard has HIV, and any illness that is a small issue to most people can take his life. The oral surgery could require $1800-2400. His usual dentist has denied seeing him due to a past due bill. He applied for disability 2 years ago, and he finally got a hearing in October 2018. After waiting for 3 more months, he was devastated by the news that he was denied. He plans to appeal the decision, but that will take another 14-15 months.

Richard was born with club foot, spina bifida, hip dysplasia, and a fused c1-c4 in his vertebrae, as well as learning and social disabilities . As an adult he developed anemia, seizures/blacking out, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts due to the trials he has faced. Furthermore, he is constantly worried if he is going to make it to the next day, which, combined with his other conditions, causes severe diarrhea, throwing up, and heart palpitations. Of course, the greatest difficulty comes from his immune deficiency, though thankfully he is undetectable right now.

Richard gets sick very easily, which makes it very difficult to work at most jobs full-time. Although he can work at some jobs, he has no car and must rely on others to give him rides, though his family is unable or unwilling to help. If he can receive some assistance to get back on his feet, along with help from the government and NPOs, he may very well be able to take care of himself. Richard recently started working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, but he may have to leave that job as well if his working environment is hazardous to his health. His bank account is being garnished to pay off medical bills that he has been unable to pay back since he hasn't been able to work. He has had to ask for financial help from his friends in other states because his family has sadly been unable or unwilling to help him in this regard as well.

Although each day is a greater challenge for Richard than I have ever faced, he has hope that God will provide. But he needs compassionate people like you to make a way for him. In his free time he loves taking care of his dog Zeus, who has been an irreplaceable support, as well as graphic design, photography, and poetry.  Richard cares deeply for those around him, even to a fault, and he truly does not want to trouble others. A Bible verse that he has held close to his heart is John 15:13: "No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends."

Will you help Richard? He can use any assistance you may be willing to provide, though his greatest need is for his oral surgery. Thank you, and God be with you!