Linking Hands for Anthony
Donation protected
A Letter from Anthony Weller, December 2019
Dear All:
Now is about the time we usually ask you to donate money for my survival. I’m pleased to be able to say we no longer have to.
Last month, my wife was at last able to sell an inherited overseas property. The house was highly illegal. It had been built in defiance of local ordinances and was deemed unsaleable, possibly subject to seizure. After laborious, complicated and at times incomprehensible procedures in a foreign language, Kylee not only succeeded in legalizing the house, but she found us a buyer. This took many long years, about ten. Not bad, to accomplish the impossible.
As a result, our money should last longer than my life.
Your generosity for the last five years has been the daily miracle that has kept us in our home, and kept me alive and well looked-after and working. Five books in five years! I have not wasted your money. I have not wasted what remains of my voice, since these books have been dictated.
Near the end of life, it’s customary to ask oneself what it adds up to. All that beauty: to what end? All that experience: to what end? All those years and hopes: to what end? Now, I see, the point of it was to feel your generosity and friendship.
Without you, my wife and I would no longer be in our home. Without you, I would’ve died some years ago of neglect in a nursing home. Without you, I wouldn’t have a future beside my loving wife. Without the miracle of your help, I would no longer be alive.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Anthony
ANTHONY'S STORY
Illness
In 2002, Anthony experienced the first symptoms of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. This is a very aggressive variety of the disease. Non-episodic, relentless, it never goes into remission. Shortly after his guitar technique faltered, Anthony needed a cane to walk, soon could no longer stand, then became chair-bound. Only his mind is untouched.
Thanks to your donations, in addition to receiving near round the clock care, Anthony has been polishing his Mozart novel and has been inspired to begin work on two other books, including a young-adult novel. Despite his circumstances, the highlight of his day is the time he dictates. As his voice has declined due to his disease, he is learning to use Eye Gaze technology which allows him to slowly type and communicate through a computer using only his eyes. We still need your generous support.
Musician and writer
A native of Georgia, Anthony Weller began his two careers at Yale. Until 2000, he was a busy guitarist and a writer. Magazine journalism paid him to roam the world for two decades.
Seven books (four novels, a travel memoir, and two volumes of WWII history), and fifteen jazz and classical CDs bear witness to his productivity. See his websites: anthonyweller.com and writeweller.com
The writer today
No longer a guitarist, Anthony remains a writer. He dictated his last three books to software; now he dictates to a typist, two vital hours a day. His latest novel takes place in the competitive 18th century musical world of Mozart. He has more books in him. With your help, his voice may continue to be heard.
Anthony’s needs
Anthony needs constant assistance; his wife Kylée, a yoga therapist, had to abandon her profession. The Massachusetts State health plan covers only part of the increasingly extensive caregiving costs, and the Wellers had exhausted their resources. But beyond basic human needs, a writer must continue to write.
Dear All:
Now is about the time we usually ask you to donate money for my survival. I’m pleased to be able to say we no longer have to.
Last month, my wife was at last able to sell an inherited overseas property. The house was highly illegal. It had been built in defiance of local ordinances and was deemed unsaleable, possibly subject to seizure. After laborious, complicated and at times incomprehensible procedures in a foreign language, Kylee not only succeeded in legalizing the house, but she found us a buyer. This took many long years, about ten. Not bad, to accomplish the impossible.
As a result, our money should last longer than my life.
Your generosity for the last five years has been the daily miracle that has kept us in our home, and kept me alive and well looked-after and working. Five books in five years! I have not wasted your money. I have not wasted what remains of my voice, since these books have been dictated.
Near the end of life, it’s customary to ask oneself what it adds up to. All that beauty: to what end? All that experience: to what end? All those years and hopes: to what end? Now, I see, the point of it was to feel your generosity and friendship.
Without you, my wife and I would no longer be in our home. Without you, I would’ve died some years ago of neglect in a nursing home. Without you, I wouldn’t have a future beside my loving wife. Without the miracle of your help, I would no longer be alive.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Anthony
ANTHONY'S STORY
Illness
In 2002, Anthony experienced the first symptoms of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. This is a very aggressive variety of the disease. Non-episodic, relentless, it never goes into remission. Shortly after his guitar technique faltered, Anthony needed a cane to walk, soon could no longer stand, then became chair-bound. Only his mind is untouched.
Thanks to your donations, in addition to receiving near round the clock care, Anthony has been polishing his Mozart novel and has been inspired to begin work on two other books, including a young-adult novel. Despite his circumstances, the highlight of his day is the time he dictates. As his voice has declined due to his disease, he is learning to use Eye Gaze technology which allows him to slowly type and communicate through a computer using only his eyes. We still need your generous support.
Musician and writer
A native of Georgia, Anthony Weller began his two careers at Yale. Until 2000, he was a busy guitarist and a writer. Magazine journalism paid him to roam the world for two decades. Seven books (four novels, a travel memoir, and two volumes of WWII history), and fifteen jazz and classical CDs bear witness to his productivity. See his websites: anthonyweller.com and writeweller.com
The writer today
No longer a guitarist, Anthony remains a writer. He dictated his last three books to software; now he dictates to a typist, two vital hours a day. His latest novel takes place in the competitive 18th century musical world of Mozart. He has more books in him. With your help, his voice may continue to be heard.
Anthony’s needs
Anthony needs constant assistance; his wife Kylée, a yoga therapist, had to abandon her profession. The Massachusetts State health plan covers only part of the increasingly extensive caregiving costs, and the Wellers had exhausted their resources. But beyond basic human needs, a writer must continue to write.Co-organizers (2)
Sam Winebaum
Organizer
Gloucester, MA
Bill Brady
Beneficiary
Emily Millikan
Co-organizer