help me keep my business

Friends and loved ones, after visiting the ER Monday, July 15, it was discovered that I had a heart murmur. With additional testing, I now know that I have aortic stenosis with calcification of the valve.

I am in Cleveland for a valve replacement. From what I gather this will be some form of open heart surgery. Please keep me and my John in your thoughts.

I guess this letter is to let my clients and dear friends know that I may be off work for a number of weeks. It's sounding more like an eight week recovery.

As you all know, I am self employed and share a significant part of the rent and supplies. I can't expect my part time partner Carrie to shoulder the financial burden of keeping the shop open. I have some funds set aside for operations of the shop but not enough to carry me through until I return.

I'm sorry to ask, but if any of my good friends and dear clients could band together with donations I will use it to keep the shop open.

Any amount will help and be appreciated.