My name is Bo Greene and I am asking for help on behalf of Eddie Monat (Diver Ed) and Edna Martin (Captain Evil.) Like many of you, my life has been greatly enhanced by Eddie and Edna. They are incredibly generous, wonderful humans. And right now they need help. I'm hoping that people far and wide can help make a huge difference in easing the personal and financial burden our beloved friends are facing.

Edna has been diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. Obviously this news has rattled her and Eddie to the core and for the past couple weeks, they've been both trying to make sense of this news and also figure out next steps. Edna spent several days at MDI Hospital and is now at home with a drain in her abdomen. She remains her positive, charming self, but the reality of what lies ahead is hard. She will be starting chemo this week and will have at least four rounds (treatment then 3 weeks off), perhaps more. There is also a surgical likelihood, but it depends on how the chemo works.

The implications of this news on Eddie and Edna are profound, emotionally, logistically and financially. Neither Edna or Eddie are able to work right now, and their main source of income, the Dive-In Theater, will likely have to be on hiatus for this season. Edna is irreplaceable in their business as she is the captain, naturalist, reservations organizer and logistics coordinator. It is unrealistic to think the trips could run without her, and this is huge blow to them as a family. With no income coming in, and potentially enormous costs coming up, they really need our help.

The goal for this appeal is currently set at $100,000. We have no way of knowing whether it will be enough, but it certainly will not be excessive. The money raised will be used for uncovered treatment costs/copays/deductibles, travel expenses for non-local treatment, animal care (2 dogs, a cat, a bird and a horse), and house expenses. Eddie and Edna work together in their business and losing both of their incomes for the foreseeable future is an enormous source of uncertainty and fear. All of their energy will be needed to try and fight this cancer and anything we can do to alleviate other drains on them will be crucial.

Eddie and Edna have impacted countless lives here on MDI and elsewhere. For decades they have taught people about the creatures of the North Atlantic and the importance of preserving the ocean's integrity. With love, humor, knowledge and passion, they've provided thousands of people of all ages, from all over the world, with information and inspiration. They don't make a ton of money through their work, but they impact a ton of people in a profound way. Beyond the Dive-In Theater, they are long time community stalwarts, volunteering their time and services in countless ways from scuba instruction to boat and mooring rescues, to coastal cleanups to intake cleanouts and so much more. Honestly, it's hard to imagine our community without their constant presence, improving lives and ecosystems with endless passion, commitment and humor.

Edna and Eddie have given us so much and they need our help now. Let's make this part of their adventure easier to bear. Please consider donating what you can and know that whatever you can spare will be so very deeply appreciated.