Help Rich Get Back His Life.

Hi, my name is Rich — and I’m reaching out during the most difficult chapter of my life, with the hope that you might help me find my way home.

Not long ago, I traveled from my home in Chicago to California to receive essential medical treatment at UCSF. I live with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Lupus, both of which require ongoing, complex care. However, there is more apparently to deal with. The treatment was more intensive and more time-consuming than I had expected.

While in California, my wallet was stolen. I was assaulted and injured. Without money, ID, or support, I found myself stranded — exhausted, unwell, and living in an airport terminal.

Despite these overwhelming setbacks, I’m doing everything I can to stay hopeful and move forward.

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What I’m Facing

• I’ve battled MDD since 1989, and was diagnosed with Lupus in 2020

• My condition doesn’t respond to conventional medications and requires targeted, often costly treatment. Just today I was informed of additional health problems worsened by a yet unidentified external source

• I’ve lost my home, my possessions, and my support system

• I’ve been unable to work for the past 9 months due to health complications — now partially in remission

• My immediate family has passed, and I’m going through this alone

Even with these challenges, I’m beginning to feel like myself again. I’m ready to recover, rebuild, and return to work — but I need help getting there.

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How You Can Help

I’m fundraising to:

1. Ensure necessary travel for treatment 

2. Afford basic living essentials

3. Secure stable housing and restart my life

Your donation will directly help cover:

• Plane fare

• Rent and housing assistance

• Out-of-pocket medical expenses

• Essentials like food, clothing, and phone access

• A brief financial bridge while I search for work

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Why It Matters

The internet is full of stories — many hard to believe. But this one is mine. If you can give anything — even $5 or a simple share — it could be the thing that helps me get home and build a life that’s ordinary, peaceful, and meaningful again.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

– Rich