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Help John Keelan and his family.

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This is one of those times where I really feel the unfairness of life.  One of those "there but the grace of God go I" situations.  I've stayed in touch with my College roommate and always look forward to catching up.  I knew that he was fighting a horrific disease but you could never tell during a conversation that the hand that life dealt him was much worse than most others.  The last phone call was different.  You could hear in his voice that the pressure was building and his resolve was cracking.  I can't do anything to make his health problems go away but I have learned over time that stress affects health in a very bad way.   This year , as the holidays approach, I would like to appeal to anyone who reads this to make a small effort to help my friend John, and his kids.
I feel the need to share his story . John was my college roommate about 35 years ago. John is funny,smart, and was a track star full of energy when he and I were roommates. He still has a school record at the University of Massachusetts. After college he was doing well in business but was diagnosed with a rare disease at age 30 called neurosarcoidosis. It started as a nuisance but over the years has progressed dramatically. I asked him how he is affected day to day now and you have to read this to believe it. He lacks balance and can barely get around with a cane or a walker. He can no longer drive due to the damage in his legs.His right foot has for the most part been amputated. He suffers severe nerve pain in his arms hands , legs, and feet. His left hip has been replaced twice and has also dislocated 3 times. He has had seven surgeries on his right leg.Its hard to tell which is his "good leg" The disease and the meds he has to take have also made him diabetic, causes him to have confusion, and makes regular sleep almost impossible.The thing about Sarcoidosis is that there is no cure. John worked until he was 46 and was a VP of a software company. Between then and now John is lucky to still be with us. It's been a tough road but John has been a dedicated father to his 2 younger kids 15 and 10. Despite his disabilities John is a very active dad. He walks his daughter to school and spends time with both kids every day. Financially things are beyond tough right now. A family emergency recently emptied his bank account and his fixed income won t let him catch up. He doesn't qualify for any programs like food stamps. Just his disability. He is stuck. As of yesterday he had zero cash to survive between payments this month. His doctors have told him stress is a major factor with sarcoidosis and he has to find ways to relax despite his situation. His neurologist told him"if you want to see your daughter graduate high school we need to find ways to keep fighting the disease and lower your stress level." I want to help him get back on his feet and maybe leave him with a bit in the bank to cover unexpected expenses moving forward. Also he lives in a 3rd floor apt. He basically pulls himself up the stairs and is exhausted by the time he gets up all 27 steps.His doctors want him to find a 1st floor apt but he can't afford to move. John is the type of guy who deserves our help. The pain he goes through is immense yet he continues to play an active role in his kids lives. How his disease will progress is unknown but we can help him have a little more control in his life financially which will definitely reduce his stress level. Please help John and his family by donating and jsut as importantly SHARE this page so others can hear John's story. Thanks so much.
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Donations 

  • Sam Laorenza
    • $100 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Ari Lubowicz
Organizer
Lenexa, KS
John Keelan
Beneficiary

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