Hello to my family, friends and loved ones. As much as this idea pains me, it seems to be one of my few options to keep my head above water.

As many of you already know, I am a hard working, self employed one man operation that practices integrity, high morals and often times selflessness.

On Monday July 25, while at work on the dock in the photograph above, I took a fall. While carrying deck boards, walking across the deck joists, I miss-stepped between the joists. Unable to stop my fall, my left leg passed between the deck joists where there was no dock float to catch it, and the left side of my upper body landed square on the skinny side of one of the deck joists. I was immediately certain that I had broke at least one of my ribs.

Working alone on site with nobody to assist, while laying on my side in excruciating pain and desperately yelling for help from anyone nearby, I phoned my wonderful girlfriend Liz. She was (as were any of my other life lines) over an hour drive away from my jobsite, but dropped what she was doing and rushed to my aid. As I realized the severe state of pain I was in and the potential of worse internal injuries, I decided to call for an ambulance.

After receiving X rays and other tests, it was confirmed that I had broken my number 10 and 11 ribs. Clean breaks (like snapping a twig in half) that were held in place by cartilage in the correct position for a healthy recovery. Thankfully, there was no evidence of further injuries or internal bleeding to any of my organs.

There is not much the medical professionals can do to aid in the healing of my rib cage. It is up to me to be diligent and cautious of my activities, to allow a healthy recovery. Which is expected to take no less than four weeks, but possibly up to eight weeks.

This leaves me incapable of performing my very physical daily work activities. Which in turn leaves me without income or ability to earn wages within my normal career field. Although please know that I am constantly brainstorming of ways to work, without over exerting myself physically.

It puts me in a dire state financially. On top of the medical bills I am facing, my average monthly expenses are around $4,500/month, not including groceries, fuel and other luxuries. This will be the first month in the 32 months of living in this home, that I will be unable to pay my rent on time, including other monthly bills.

I am kindly asking the dearest people in my life, if you are at all able to assist me in not falling farther and farther behind, to graciously contribute to my cause. It is not at all expected, although entirely and whole heartedly appreciated.

Every little bit counts and I know I have a real team of amazing people in my life who I'm thankful for daily. Between all of you, coupled with my creative thinking and diligent efforts of finding other solutions... I am hopeful that I may continue to stay on top of and not fall behind of my monthly living expenses.

With much love and gratitude, I kindly thank anyone who is able to contribute. Not only on a fiscal level, as my network of loved ones has already stepped up and reached out in many other ways, ie., bringing home cooked meals, offering to do my shopping, cleaning, laundry, etc...

Please rest assured that this special request will be used in only the most dignified ways. I love each of you very much and value each relationship. Whether it be life long or newly developed, blood or kinetic bond, you are all greatly appreciated on every level.

Blessings to you all and thank you so much for your consideration.