A Series of Unfortunate Events
Donation protected
The Request:
This request is being made on behalf of a dear friend, whom we’ve known for 40+ years. We are trying to help Elias get back on his feet after a series of calamities, any one of which would have warranted a well-deserved GoFundMe request for assistance. If we can help our friend reach his goal of $5000, 2018 will be full of promise for Elias.
Act 1: Overture
Elias was “sage of the stage” in our high school years, and we all knew he’d be a wonderful actor someday. We were right. Elias went on to spend many years on stage – musicals were his specialty. He had a magnificent stage presence with a voice to match.
Act 2: Diagnosis: Scoliosis
In 2007 degenerative scoliosis, a congenital condition, became so severe that it put an end to Elias’ stage career. In addition, Elias has been the sole caregiver for his elderly mother, Mame. Between his responsibilities for his mother and his degenerative, painful health condition that prevents him from enjoying the only profession he has even known, Elias has been unable to find employment. There has been one silver lining during this time, though. Elias adopted a sweet Basset Hound, Hank. Hank and Elias are constant companions.
Act 3: One Thing After Another
Every story has its climax - that crisis point in a plot. In Elias’ story, though, it’s hard to pinpoint a single crisis. 2017 has been full of crises, one after another. They include:
Dog Attack - an attack by a vicious neighborhood dog resulted in 18 stitches, trauma, and a hand still badly scarred and in need of therapy to prevent permanent stiffness.
Hurricane Irma - More bad luck blew in with Irma. Elias, Hank and Mame hunkered down during the hurricane, but the loss of electricity afterwards left Mame with heatstroke. She is still recovering from those effects, and Elias is not in a financial position to help above what she receives from Medicare. In addition, while stocking up on canned goods and ice in preparation of Irma, Elias went to pick up a prescription and was shocked to discover that his insurance had been terminated.
Bad Falls - The discovery that he was uninsured was followed almost immediately by another fall. He has had three bad falls this year, all injuring his left hip replacement and requiring treatment. His fall in October was quite significant, involving an ambulance trip, ER treatment, CAT scans, X-rays, staples in his head, as well as numerous cuts and abrasions and an avalanche of medical bills.
Hank - Elias’ sweet Bassett has been experiencing health challenges and requires veterinary assistance and possible surgery. There are just not enough resources to give Hank the care he needs.
Act 4: Finale Ultimo
With so much behind him, Elias is looking to the future and hopes to find employment as a voice actor or professional reader. At present, though, Elias needs some security. His daily pain and responsibilities as a caregiver make employment an extreme challenge, and there is simply no buffer in the budget for meeting growing needs of Mame, Hank, and Elias’ own health challenges, not to mention some basic home maintenance needs that many of us take for granted. His home is quite run down, and while West Palm Beach’s Home Renovation Program will assist with some of what is needed, there is much more to be done.
Act 5: Tomorrow is Another Day
Act 5 is yet to be written. How this turns out is entirely up to the generosity of friends and the kindness of strangers. Please consider helping, and accept our accolades. Many thanks.
This request is being made on behalf of a dear friend, whom we’ve known for 40+ years. We are trying to help Elias get back on his feet after a series of calamities, any one of which would have warranted a well-deserved GoFundMe request for assistance. If we can help our friend reach his goal of $5000, 2018 will be full of promise for Elias.
Act 1: Overture
Elias was “sage of the stage” in our high school years, and we all knew he’d be a wonderful actor someday. We were right. Elias went on to spend many years on stage – musicals were his specialty. He had a magnificent stage presence with a voice to match.
Act 2: Diagnosis: Scoliosis
In 2007 degenerative scoliosis, a congenital condition, became so severe that it put an end to Elias’ stage career. In addition, Elias has been the sole caregiver for his elderly mother, Mame. Between his responsibilities for his mother and his degenerative, painful health condition that prevents him from enjoying the only profession he has even known, Elias has been unable to find employment. There has been one silver lining during this time, though. Elias adopted a sweet Basset Hound, Hank. Hank and Elias are constant companions.
Act 3: One Thing After Another
Every story has its climax - that crisis point in a plot. In Elias’ story, though, it’s hard to pinpoint a single crisis. 2017 has been full of crises, one after another. They include:
Dog Attack - an attack by a vicious neighborhood dog resulted in 18 stitches, trauma, and a hand still badly scarred and in need of therapy to prevent permanent stiffness.
Hurricane Irma - More bad luck blew in with Irma. Elias, Hank and Mame hunkered down during the hurricane, but the loss of electricity afterwards left Mame with heatstroke. She is still recovering from those effects, and Elias is not in a financial position to help above what she receives from Medicare. In addition, while stocking up on canned goods and ice in preparation of Irma, Elias went to pick up a prescription and was shocked to discover that his insurance had been terminated.
Bad Falls - The discovery that he was uninsured was followed almost immediately by another fall. He has had three bad falls this year, all injuring his left hip replacement and requiring treatment. His fall in October was quite significant, involving an ambulance trip, ER treatment, CAT scans, X-rays, staples in his head, as well as numerous cuts and abrasions and an avalanche of medical bills.
Hank - Elias’ sweet Bassett has been experiencing health challenges and requires veterinary assistance and possible surgery. There are just not enough resources to give Hank the care he needs.
Act 4: Finale Ultimo
With so much behind him, Elias is looking to the future and hopes to find employment as a voice actor or professional reader. At present, though, Elias needs some security. His daily pain and responsibilities as a caregiver make employment an extreme challenge, and there is simply no buffer in the budget for meeting growing needs of Mame, Hank, and Elias’ own health challenges, not to mention some basic home maintenance needs that many of us take for granted. His home is quite run down, and while West Palm Beach’s Home Renovation Program will assist with some of what is needed, there is much more to be done.
Act 5: Tomorrow is Another Day
Act 5 is yet to be written. How this turns out is entirely up to the generosity of friends and the kindness of strangers. Please consider helping, and accept our accolades. Many thanks.
Organizer and beneficiary
Julie Johnson
Organizer
Springfield, IL
Elias Eliadis
Beneficiary
