People who know me will know that I truly hate asking for help. But I need to – and I’m hoping you’ll hear me out.
Update 11 July 2025 (Happy Birthday Luisa [my kid]):
You are all fantastic. We met my treatment goal of $78,150. I am humbled.
A long-time BTP donor who I don't know personally, apparently assessed me quite accurately, pointing out I asked for the minimum. She urged, browbeat, and persuaded me to increase the goal, because yes, it is beyond doubt that additional treatment/care will be necessary. I quote her -
"Last night I pleaded with Andy to raise the amount he hoped to raise on his campaign and he balked, because, well, you know Andy. He is modest and certainly no capitalist. It is times like these he has to rely on his sassy friends to push him to put himself first.
He only considered it when I threatened him with consequences, because, well, you know Andy.
There are many reasons to love Andy, but this is the hour he needs to put Andy first, which has never come naturally to him. Hence, he caved to my suggestion to boost the amount in his campaign against his inner-objections because, well, you know Andy.
If there are any funds left over they will be refunded because, well, you know Andy."
Why should you invest in me? I'm a fairly standard person who has had - I think - a big impact through over three decades working to support low-income and under-served individuals. For 31 years I have also provided volunteer leadership at the Seattle non-profit Books to Prisoners (we've helped hundreds of thousands gain access to reading materials). I’ve spent my life fighting for human and animal rights. And I've more to give. But...
Recently, I was diagnosed with an incurable terminal neurological disorder: Multiple System Atrophy. Basically, a part of my brain is going wrong, progressively affecting balance, fine motor skills in my hands, large motor skills (like walking), and speech. Eventually, as things progress, it will affect swallowing, digestion, blood pressure regulation, and breathing. Most treatments covered by insurance can only slightly ease some symptoms as things continue to get worse.
One emerging option – stem cell therapy – shows promise in slowing or even reversing some of the disease’s progression.
With your help, I hope to fund my stem cell treatments. The therapies are expensive, out of state (or outside the US) and not covered by health insurance. But they are my best shot at more time and quality of life. Your support will help cover the costs of treatment as well as related travel and care.
If you are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck, please keep your money. If you can spare a few dollars or a few thousand, I would be eternally grateful.