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Help Richard With His Surgery

Richard is an amazing human being...

He has been through so much – life has never been easy for him. He has dealt with a number of life threatening conditions and has undergone multiple surgeries – all by himself, without any financial or moral support.

But he never let the pain of what he went through define him – it didn't change his core.

He is soulful, and he's not afraid to open his heart up and be vulnerable. His eyes and smile are full of light, and he has the most cheerful deep-mouthed laughter – it's absolutely contagious. He is authentic and always acts by the guidance of his heart and his strong moral compass. He's taking pride of his impeccable work ethic and is the most hardworking man that I know.

He's the man that will always go out of his way to help and support others in their time of need, but finds it very hard to ask for help himself or even accept it when offered.

Richard needs your help. His life is at stake. He needs to have a life saving surgery.

As explained by his doctor:

He has a damaged valve in the area of his pelvis that's causing serious disruption of his circulatory system and is also the cause for the development of a Varicose vain on his left leg – starting at his calf and going all the way up to his groin. His circulation is very poor, and he doesn't get proper blood flow to his heart.

He is experiencing severe chest pains every single day now – while working, driving, eating or resting. He used to have them every now and then – but even though he made many positive changes in his life health wise – the chest pains got worse, and he has them all the time now. Recently he started experiencing pain in his left arm as well.

He was also diagnosed with Hypothyroidism – a disorder of the endocrine system in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone.

“Hypothyroidism is a commonly encountered clinical condition with variable prevalence. It has profound effects on cardiac function that can impact cardiac contractility, vascular resistance, blood pressure and heart rhythm.”

He basically has not one but two things working against his heart – the leaky valve and his Hypothyroidism.

He was recently diagnosed and is addressing the Hypothyroid issue – his doctor prescribed a medication and is upping it slowly until he can determine the exact dosage needed.

The Hypothyroidism can be managed with medication. But it is imperative for him to get this valve surgery as soon as possible – if not his health will deteriorate with each passing day, and he'll end up suffering either a heart attack or a stroke.

He's 35 years old...

And has so much to look forward to...

I'm his partner – Aleksandra – and I'm seeking help from both our behalves.

Due to our circumstances I'm not able to be there for him physically – he's in Florida and I'm currently in Ireland – but we are in this together and I'm helping in any way I can.

We deal with everything together and up until that point we were doing good – good like paying bills and slowly but surely working towards our goals – but we most certainly don't have any cash lying around.

The news about him having to pay $2,500 out-of-pocket the day of the surgery on top of the loss he'll take from not being able to work those days puts the whole thing into question – for as it is now we can't afford it – not without help.

Even though he pays for "great" health insurance and has recently met his deductible, his insurance company will only cover 75% of the cost, and he has to pay the remaining 25%. Hence, his doctor refused to arrange a payment plan for him – it all has to be paid in full on the day of the first surgery – planned for November 29th.

During the first surgery the doctor will insert a catheter through the side of his neck and pinpoint where the leaky valve is.

Then a month later the second surgery will take place. The doctor will insert a catheter through his groin and will then correct the valve.

We're doing our best, but we can only stretch ourselves so much – the numbers just don't add up. Both our jobs are well-paid and we work as hard as we can and sacrifice as much as we can, but we can't seem to cover all our bases – our very best is not good enough.

As I mentioned Richard is not used to being the one asking for help – he's usually on the giving end of it. But with some encouragement from myself and concerned friends – he agreed to let me organize this page – so anyone who can and wishes to help may do so.

Any help – no matter how small – is greatly appreciated.

And to anyone who sympathizes and wishes to help but can't afford it – we appreciate it, and we do understand that sometimes despite the desire to help, it is hard to do so if you're struggling yourself.

Deep gratitude to everyone who expressed concern – it is deeply felt.

Our goal is to raise $2500
by November 29th
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Donations 

  • Nadine Babin
    • $10 
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer

Richard Hoffmann Gillespie
Organizer

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