Help Allen Fight His Cancer!
Donation protected
My name is Allen Root, I have lived, loved, and worked in San Luis Obispo for the last 59 years. I am a master metal crafter, still viable in design and supervising complex projects, but due to 8 years of battling cancer and my current chemo regimen, I have lost much of my physical strength and cannot climb scaffolding, and at some times can’t even pick up a tool box.
In July of 2016, I was diagnosed with metastasized prostate cancer, with the cancer spreading to my pelvis, skull, several places on my spine, lymph nodes, my kidney and liver, and a few ribs. In these 8 years, I have been under the care of a wonderful naturopath, assisting me through an infusion chemo regimen, (Yes, it does make your hair fall out), immunotherapy, three months long sessions of oral chemo, radiation, along with a dozen scans of every flavor, and having blood drawn more often by several times than the rest of my life all combined! I have had good care through UCLA cancer, local oncology, radiation oncology, my primary, it has been a good team, but still….
My capacities: stamina, mental clarity, and muscle mass, along with maintaining a positive outlook have all suffered at some times more than others. It’s quite the dance! Affecting all aspects of life, this illness has had the most impact on my ability to work and generate enough money to consistently cover my basic monthly expenses.
My design mind is still popping, sending me to my sketch pad at night, I feel that I have more to contribute to my family and community. All this cancer treatment stuff will continue until I meet my end.
I’m not scared, this diagnosis has really opened my eyes, in some ways I’ve never felt more alive. I have more things on my to do list, more things to live for. My declared Reasons for Living are my grand-daughters, my works in the community, and my treasured adult children. As part of my legacy, I am shepherding two significant public art projects into fruition, and serving on the board of the County Arts Council as we expand the cultural aspect of this place I call home.
I am humbly asking for your help in weathering my lost income, and to support me in my legacy visions above.
Thank you for reading my story, thank you for considering my request
Organizer
Elaine Genasci
Organizer
San Luis Obispo, CA