Help Zink Overcome His Medical Debt

For those of you lucky enough to know my friend David Zinke, aka “Zink,” you know what a funny, loving and compassionate person he is, the kind of person who uses his many talents not only to entertain and bring joy to others but also to bring people together to make common cause. David is always willing to lend a helping hand to others. Now he needs others to come together to help him in his hour of need.

In the last six months David has been struggling with serious health issues which have left him with major medical bills that he is unable to pay. The purpose of this GoFundMe fundraiser is to reduce this heavy financial burden so he can focus on his recovery. It is my way of giving back to David for the many kindnesses he has shown me. As the older brother of my close childhood friend Beiva (Beverly) from Wisconsin, I’ve known David my whole life. Since I moved to Tucson, he has become like a brother to me, especially after Beiva died three years ago leaving us both heartbroken. Soon after, he invited me to join his weekly breakfast group which led to the beginning of a beautiful relationship with a very special close-knit group of talented actors/playwrights and artists. David’s friends have become my friends.

So, you can imagine how we all felt when David had open heart quadruple bypass surgery this past January, followed by four subsequent re-hospitalizations as a result of several complications (COPD, pneumonia, edema, and sepsis). Throughout this period of hospitalizations and ongoing doctors’ appointments, family members and friends near and far have sent David their prayers and good wishes and stepped up to offer their support by visiting him in the hospital and at home and generously helping with rides, meals, groceries and rent. David has been so appreciative of each and every gesture of support.

However, due to mounting medical bills and reduced income after he was rendered unable to work, David is now really struggling financially which has affected his morale. I realized just how dire his situation had become a few weeks ago when David almost chose not to follow his nurse’s recommendation to go to the ER for what turned out to be a serious complication requiring his fourth re-hospitalization because he couldn’t afford yet another bill. That’s when I knew he was almost at the end of his tether, and I felt compelled to reach out to the wider community for financial help by putting together this GoFundMe effort with the help of David’s family and close friends.

Toward that end, I am reaching out to David’s broad circle of friends and the Arts community and his extended family for support. Will you join us in lending a helping hand? Anything will help—$5, $10 or $20—whatever you can afford will be greatly appreciated.

Your generous donation will help him pay down medical bills not covered by his insurance—hospital stays, copays for medications, specialist and ER visits— and help pay for essential expenses such as food, transportation and rent. Our goal is to raise enough funds to help David get on track financially so that he can focus on healing.

Despite all he has been through, David remains in good spirits and stays engaged to the best of his ability. He is currently working one day a week at the Southern Arizona Animal Food Bank and is eager to return to his regular schedule there once his health improves. He continues to be active in Tucson's art scene as secretary of the Old Pueblo Playwrights (two of his plays were featured in recent OPP New Play Festivals) and has every intention to get back to performing on Tucson's theatrical stages. David’s lifelong passion for the performing arts has given him purpose, meaning, and hope during this difficult time.

On a personal note, I want to add that I have been amazed by David’s positive attitude and perseverance in the face of the most challenging of circumstances. During my visits to the hospital, I witnessed how patient, kind and entertaining he was with the medical staff, and I would often come away wondering who was cheering whom up.

Please help David get back on his feet and back on the stage by making a donation and sharing this appeal with others.

Thank you so much!! I will provide updates on his progress soon.

--Kristin Helland (pictured below with David)