Help David Mendelsohn Regain Mobility

Please Help David Regain Mobility

Hello. My name is David Mendelsohn. This is not an easy process for me. I’ve always been able to maintain my independence and have a strong measure of pride. When I have been able, I’ve given to whoever was in need and never asked from others. Unfortunate circumstances have forced me to turn toward creating a GoFundMe campaign for some help at this point.

I live on top of Catamount Mountain in rural Pittsfield, New Hampshire. On the morning of January 25th, I was leaving my place and coming down the mountain. I hit some ice, was unable to stop and crashed into a tree. To be fair, the road had been sanded, but as the police pointed out, they’d missed a section and unfortunately lost control.

The airbags deployed but still received some significant injuries. I was transported to Concord Hospital via ambulance. My knee was blown out and I had facial lacerations requiring stitches above my right eye.. I was also diagnosed with a moderate concussion, and received some serious bruising throughout my body.

My car, a Jeep Patriot, was totaled and the reason for this GoFundMe. I was uninsured, not by choice, and the car isn't salvageable. This year has been difficult medically, preventing me from having any savings or ability to replace my vehicle with. Fusion surgery on my lower spine, a broken collarbone and prostate surgery have had me relying mainly on Social Security, with little ability to earn any supplemental income. This period hasn't been a terribly fortunate one for me.

As mentioned, I live quite rurally and it requires a vehicle. There is absolutely no public transportation, and volunteer ride services for things like medical appointments and food shopping is sporadic and often unavailable. Uber is not a realistic option given the relative remoteness of my location, and prohibited by the costs. Realistically, the only option I have is replacing and driving my own vehicle once again.

My requirements for a car are pretty basic. I have been a photographer by trade throughout my career and, although commercial assignments have dwindled due to technology, I still need the ability to carry gear. As such, the vehicle needs to have extended room in the back. Given where I live and the inevitable challenging winter driving in New Hampshire, it would also require four or all wheel drive. Finally, it would need to be reliable, as I currently have pretty limited funds for repairs until such time as I can recover and manage to get back on my feet.

Given the current prices of used cars, I believe that a goal of $9600 could do it and hoping that is a realistic number. It doesn’t have to be beautiful at all, just reliable and functional.

I would like to give back to the extent that I’m able. I’d like to offer a signed archival and pigmented print to anyone contributing 150 dollars or over. Sadly, the costs of printing, packaging and postage won’t allow me to provide the same for smaller donations. ……however, you will have my sincere and heartfelt gratitude no matter what amount you have been kind enough to give. I will provide a range of perhaps 5 for you to choose from, all of which I’m proud of.

If I’m fortunate enough to receive any contributions over 1000 dollars, I’d like to offer you a legacy portrait session, at my place or yours, if it’s within two hours of here. I'll provide an in depth conversation prior to any shooting so we can assure a strong collaboration. You should review the “Faces” or “Transcript Portraits” portfolios from the drop down menu on my website, which I’ve listed directly below, for an idea of what I’m able to offer. If a session is not practical, then I can provide a larger, signed and editioned image, choice of which I’m happy to discuss.

My work and website can be seen at http://www.davidm.com

I am so looking forward to Spring this year....far more than usual.

Lastly, I’d like to thank anyone and everyone for showing compassion, empathy and kindness at this point in my life. I truly wish none of these events had happened this year... but they sure did… and this GoFundMe campaign seems like the only viable option I have for repairing and rebuilding things. Asking for help is a humbling experience and I’m really hoping that this really works…. Isolation and immobility is not the healthiest option for me and I really need to do somehow correct this situation.

I am happy to answer any questions….. please connect if you have any at all. I’d be happy to clarify anything.

If you would, please SHARE with your friends and family … Huge and sincere thanks.

David.