HELP SAVE Beloved FIT Prof/Master Jeweler Gennady

As  you may already know, Gennady has been battling cancer for the past eight (8) years. The cancer has been progressing at a steady pace and the metastasis (cancer which has spread to the bones) has taken over much of his body-causing pain and weakness as his bones are deteriorating.

A TRAGIC FALL

On the morning of July 12, Gennady fell due to weakness in his legs. He was rushed to the hospital and it was determined that he had a fracture in his neck. Because of the fall and other complications, Gennady has lost feeling in the lower half of his body, and can no longer walk. He was in the hospital for over a month receiving treatment and having the correct dosage of medication figured out.

On August 16th he was transferred to a rehab facility closer to home that was unfortunate. The family needs our help. Because of Gennady’s condition he has not been able to work on the scale he once did, Irina, his wife has not been able to work since his diagnosis in order to be a caregiver. Whatever funds come in are used for regular bills, simple living necessities, as well as funding treatments. With the added expense of home care they are just not sure how to make ends meet.

NURSING FACILITY / HOME CARE

Just 4 days after being admitted to the facility, while changing his bedding, the staff unknowingly tore out the nephrostomy tube (a tube that goes from the outside of the body directly into a kidney) and went unnoticed until discovered by accident. As a result, Gennady is now back in the hospital with
further complications.

The only option for us now is to care for Gennady at home. We are ready to provide home care, but at our current financial state after many years of
little income, numerous treatments, and frequent emergencies---we are only able to readily afford perhaps a week or two. Insurance only provides the absolute minimum. So the additional support and equipment will need to be all out of pocket. A caregiver or nurse will need to be present with Gennady in order to assist him in performing basic daily functions. As we all can see, this adds up. Asking for donations is the only way to keep a man’s humanity intact. Please help Gennady.

Please help us spread the word and send this to anyone who may be able to help.

With thanks on behalf of
Gennady's  wife, Irina & stepdaughter Katya
Gennady's Students

Gennady has touched so many lives over the course of his career, below are testimonies from a few individuals.

"Gennady Osmerkin is an irreplaceable treasure.

He has enriched the lives of so many people. It is impossible to really measure the incredible value of the inspiration and guidance that he has been to those who know him.

Many thousands, from beginners to masters have grown and been given a helping hand by his great knowledge and his ability to bring out of people works of great  art, beauty and importance, of which they may not even know they were capable.

Though his teaching, by working under his guidance and vision, or by working along side him as colleagues, we have all been lifted up.

Whether by his own hand, or by by being the leader and guide to groups of craftsmen working together from their own workshops all over the world, he has been the driving force behind some of the  greatest, most complex, beautiful and precious objects to have been created in the late 20th century.

He is our friend and our teacher. 

He has shared his life with us.

His knowledge, his skills, his precious time, his table....

Generations of artists and appreciators of their works will, without ever having even heard his name, be the benefactors of his generosity, as those he has touched share with others.

We are rich beyond measure because we know him.

Mark Willardson 
August 16, 2019"

"As a FIT graduate and alumni I can very easily say that Gennady has been a very big inspiration in my life and in my career. As I started to attend FIT for the jewelry program I met a lot of people/professors/teachers that help me along the way to learn progresses and basically conquer the jewelry business in jewelry making. But only Gennady really stood out from the rest. He is one of the best, he is one that can help you with almost anything, he knows a lot, whether it be silversmithing, goldsmithing, setting, anything, really he knows everything in my opinion. I strongly support everything he’s done, everything he will do and the way he thinks and acts. I really look up to him as a jeweler and as an amazing person. Basically when I grow up I want to be like him, smart very well rounded a good artist and a good man. As I write this now he is a very sick man and I hope he will get better soon.
Sincerely Artur Davydov"

"I am honored to call Gennady Osmerkin a friend.

He is the most influential professor I have ever had. His spirit, talent, atmosphere and personality drew me in, and after discovering his humor, interests in-health, quality food, his passion for nature and it’s charm..his attention to create small sweet objects and creatures with the utmost elegance..naturally, his own charm and character was one I couldn’t resist.

To know Gennady is to know a legend. To feel included and respected by such a great man, creates a feeling of grandeur, as to feel noteworthy to Gennady is a powerful recognition. To be in the presence of my illustrious friend, creates a possibility of achieving my own outstanding mark on the industry. The era of knowledge he contains, the generosity to share it, and the gratitude that inherently follows-has created a beautiful dynamic that is invaluable to all his students. So many artists, like myself, have been lucky enough to have our stars align with Gennady during the most important time in our lives-learning technics from a master was a promising gift. He even influenced how my hand creates shapes and the lines that are unique to only me. His presence is attached to all my artwork as a result. Gennady has shown me how to prepare and design a piece with a strict sensible plan to execute. When I start to steer down a path with a particularly difficult plan..I think:’how would Gennady do this?’ And, I’ve been encouraged to ask-for any tip, for any silly question, or for a remedy to recover a piece or design I have failed on. Gennady has always been there for me, has always supported me. He has literally bailed me out of tricky situations with my business. Each time I’ve asked for advice or a connection-he gives one-a great one. ..an invaluable one.

I owe the success of the start of my career to the kind helpful and genuine man I call my friend. Career aside-I love Gennady dearly. He has a particular presence that makes me feel important, valid, valued, and loved. 

Rebecca"