Family and friends,

My good friend Joe Rigelsky just had surgery today on his right shoulder..... a total shoulder replacement. Joe has been struggling with pain and sleepless nights and finally made the tough decision to get this done. Part of the reason for the delay was the significant cost of the procedure ($8,000 - $10,000) and the fact that it is not covered by his high-deductible health insurance plan. For those of you who know Joe, he is the type of man who would give the shirt off of his back for you. In fact, he literally has given his shirt while serving the people of Haiti through his non-profit organization, Upstream International (https://upstreamint.org/). Joe and his wife Sami have dedicated their lives to the less fortunate and often forgotten people of Haiti. They share the message the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the citizens and children in Citè Soleil, by working with local leaders to meet tangible needs such as providing buildings, nourishment, and education (https://upstreamint.org/product/CSCS-Community-School/cite-soleil-community-school). This is the poorest community, in the poorest city (Port-au-Prince), in one of the poorest countries in the world. Yet, despite Joe and Sami's ample experience in fundraising, Joe would never ask you for a donation to help defray the cost of his surgery. In fact, if you called Joe right now in the hospital, he would probably just tell you about the needs of the people of Haiti and invite you to partner with him in the work Upstream International is doing there (which I also strongly encourage you to do!). That is why I am stepping up to ask for help for my dear friend and brother In Christ... Joe Rigelsky. I am hoping that each of you will join me in giving a generous donation to Joe to help defray the cost of his surgery. In fact, it is my hope that we might raise enough money to pay for his surgery and all of his post-operative care!

Love,

David Oettel