Hi

This is Bob Wellner and I am writing this on behalf of our close friend, Ron Skarbek.

I personally have known Ron since we were new students at Niagara University, almost 60 years ago! Many of you may have known Ron for just as long. While some of you know about Ron's struggles over the last few years, a good number of you do not. Ron has had back surgery which is had a huge negative impact on his physical capabilities. Adding to that, several years ago Ron experienced two strokes in consecutive years, severely impacting his ability to function on a day to day basis. Unfortunately, as a result of his limitations, he lost his job. I'm writing this with the hope that you --and many in your extended network-- can provide Ron some financial assistance as he faces some hefty hurdles in his 76th year of life.

In addition to the two strokes, Ron is currently facing a pretty tough situation...something this former college athlete and Ironman Triathlete never expected. First, Ron has to have both of his hips and knees replaced. Secondly, Ron is facing spinal surgery as a number of his vertebrae have been severely compromised over the years. Ron is currently confined to using a walker and requiring personal assistance for regular life activities. These medical issues are exacerbated by Ron's insurance provider leaving him with extensive financial medical deficit and the loss of his job. Ron has not been able to work for over two years - and is unable to work in his current condition and will most likely be unable to work in the future.

Adding insult to injury, Ron's wife recently divorced him, leaving him without any family (including his twin 10-year-old children!) in the Chicago suburbs. Ron loves his kids to the moon and back, but because of Ron's physical condition, the judge in the divorce case awarded his ex- with full custody of the children and limited visits by their father. This situation, above all else, has devastated Ron and he will have to vacate his home in June.

Now, Ron has to move out of the family home and into an independent/assisted living apartment by July 1st. He lost all the equity that he built up in his house, and drained all his retirement accounts trying to take care of his medical bills and family. Living on only Social Security, a portion of which goes to his ex-wife, Ron has very little money to make this move happen, provide for his routine living expenses and to sustain a (somewhat) normal life style.

This is where you/we come in with this GoFundMe Page. We want to take some of the weight off of Ron's shoulders so he can focus on rehabilitating and, hopefully, getting back on his feet. Any amount you can donate will help defray some of Ron's medical costs not covered by Medicare (and they will be substantial) and also go toward helping Ron get into an apartment and conduct a normal life.

For the record, Ron is not asking for anyone's help. But we are...because he has been a loyal, loving friend for so many years, who deserves much, much better at this stage of his life.

Thank you in advance for your consideration. And please get this word out to all in your network who have helping hearts.

Best regards,

BOB