I am Clifford Meth. Whether you know me as a writer, a martial artist or a friend, I ask that you join me in aiding Richard Lenchus and his wife Rachelle, who need a little help.

Richard "Rick" Lenchus is 83. He served our country as a U.S. Marine where he learned martial arts in Okinawa and began teaching in Coney Island after his honorable discharge. The early pioneers of American martial arts did not make a business of the arts. The majority of my Sensei's many students over the past 60 years received instruction and guidance for free or very little money--usually just enough to pay the rent on a dojo.

You will find Sensei Rick Lenchus on the web, in the old karate magazines from bygone decades, and in numerous martial arts halls of fame. This fame, honor and respect did not translate into wealth. That's never what my teacher sought. The result: He is still working, still commuting from his modest home in Vermont to New York every week just to make a living. That's always been good enough for him.

Unfortunately, his beloved wife Shelley is now very sick. And the costs of helping her while he continues to work in construction are more than he can manage on his own. Shelley is bedridden and needs assistance. Rides to doctors and hospitals, and out-of-pocket costs have created an extra burden that is too much for any one man, let alone one of advanced years who cannot suddenly start a business or hope to increase his income.

This is not a man who stays home: This is a veteran who still works. But he now needs help. And we are all here to help each other get through this thing, whatever it is. Please help in any way you can by contributing to this GoFundMe and spreading this message on your own social media. You have my sincere gratitude and you can rest in the knowledge that you are helping someone who has helped many, many others.