My name is Richard Stage, and I am a Theatre Major at Columbus State Community College.

I am raising funds to pay off my Summer Semester tuition. I have lost access to financial aid because my completion rate (the number of classes attempted vs, the number of classes completed) is below the required 60%.

The rate is low because, every semester I have attended CSCC, except the current one, I have had sever medical issues which have nearly caused my death.

In Spring, 2014, I contracted H1N1, the swine flu. My breathing stopped and I had to be intubated in the ER. My temperature spiked at 106 and I was in a medical coma for 36 hours.

In Autumn, 2014, I had a series of mental health crises that led to a suicide attempt.

In Autumn, 2024, I had multiple pulmonary embolisms which led to my hospitalization.

in Spring 2025 I again contracted influenza and another hospitalization.

Each semester I had to drop most or all of my classes, which caused my completion rate to fall.

I will be working for the theatre under Federal Work Study this fall, so will be able to pay for classes to get my completion rate up to 60%, but need help paying off the summer tuition so I can register for classes for Autumn Semester

All funds raised will go towards educational expenses.