Help Rich Vocke Kick Leukemia’s Ass Fundraiser

My name is Tina LaLima, and I have been lucky enough to be friends with this guy, Rich Vocke, for almost 20 years.  We got the very stunning news last week that he has Leukemia.  Let’s just say it:  Leukemia sucks. He is in for a helluva fight.  But Rich is approaching this with the positive attitude and good humor with which he approaches everything in life.   As he wryly put it, “I am very healthy.  Except for the cancer.”   2020 was quite a year for everyone, and Rich was no exception.   Like many, he lost his job last year at the start of the pandemic.  And with it, his health insurance.   

Rich is the kind of guy that is truly there for the people in his life.   And he has gotten me through more than one tough year with his kindness and friendship.  And sure, maybe, with some vodka-soaked nights!  Well, now he is the one who needs the help.  And for sure vodka isn’t going to cut it.  Cancer can be devastating in so many ways, including creating serious financial hardship. In fact, more than half of US cancer survivors say they have high medical costs, have stress from worrying about paying health bills, or have delayed medical care due to costs. Almost 33% say they have more than one of those problems.

Rich and his family need our help.  Please, if you know me, or you know Rich, or you have read this and just feel like you want to help, please contribute anything that you can.  I know that he will be profoundly grateful.  As will I.  I’ve set a modest goal of $5,000.  But I’d sure like to double, or triple that, or more.   (**Edit - we have achieved our initial goal and have raised our goal now to $10,000!   Thanks so much and keep sharing! ❤️) 

I will continue to post updates here.  Thanks so much for any and all contributions.