Help Change Arreavis' Life
This is Arreavis and Kitty.
I met Arreavis seven months ago in the middle of a brutal Chicago winter, sitting in the freezing cold holding a sign that read "God Bless." I gave Arreavis some cash and went on my way. Since then I've seen him outside everyday, at an intersection in-between my work and the train, and I always stop to say hello to him and Kitty, his affectionate pet cat. I offer cash, or clothing, or a hot meal when I can and they are always grateful.
Over the past few months I've gotten to know Arreavis better. He is caring. He's always asking me how I am and how my family is, even asking how our cat was when she had to go in to the vet. He's funny. He's got a great sense of humor and a laugh that is infectious. He's loving, always making sure that Kitty has food and shelter and that his girlfriend is provided for. What Arreavis won't he won't tell you is that he is proud. As much as he loves people, he doesn't like asking for help. So I'm here asking on his behalf.
Arreavis is 28 years old and has a very serious bone infection in his left arm called Osteomyelitis. He contracted this infection a year ago after injuring his arm. Being scared, homeless, and having a lack of resources, he failed to seek medical attention. Eventually, his infection got so bad that he was hospitalized for 8 days. Doctors provided him the option to amputate, but he couldn’t come to terms with losing his arm and opted to take medication in hopes it would get better.
Earlier this year, Arrreavis made the decision to turn his life around. He has dreams of going back to school and pursuing a degree in either audio engineering or business. For him, the first step to achieving those goals was getting off the street. He is proud of the fact that, as of earlier this year, he is no longer homeless.
His ability to perform odd jobs, the kindness of strangers, and his tireless work ethic have helped Arreavis afford rent every month. He would like to get a full time job , but due to the progression of his infection, Arreavis is finding it very difficult to secure employment. He has been advised that he will need to get surgery on his arm or is at risk of sepsis. The surgery will likely include partial amputation. As you can imagine, Arreavis is very scared about the surgery and the likelihood of losing a limb at 28 years old, but he knows that the the alternative to his surgery is much worse.
For Arreavis, the next step to taking his life back is getting this surgery, and he has scheduled it for mid-July. There is no certain timetable for his recovery. This means that he doesn’t know how long he will be unable to sit out on the corner collecting donations. Without the ability to go out everyday and make money, he will not be able to afford food or rent and will be at risk of becoming homeless again.
This is where you come in. I’ve witnessed the progress Arreavis has made this year. Choosing to go forward with this surgery was a tough decision for him, knowing that he may lose his arm and his home, but he is taking that chance anyway.
My goal is to provide at least two months worth of rent ($550/month) and utilities ($80/month) and additional money for food, and other living expenses so that Arreavis can take the time he needs to rest and recover from surgery. He deserves the peace of mind that he will have a place to stay and that everything he's been working for will still be there for him once he's healed.
Please consider helping change Arreavis’ life. Any amount is appreciated.
Thank you!
A message from Arreavis:
“I want everyone to know that I just want to get my life together. I am so grateful for all the blessings I have but I want to feel like a normal 28 year old and start making a difference in this world. I don’t want people to look at me like I’m different or disabled and I don’t want this to be the end for me. I hope everyone can see that I don’t want to be out here asking for money, I want a job and I want to feel happy. God Bless everyone”
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Our original goal of $ 2,000 was set to provide enough money to help cover costs of living while Arreavis recovers and with an overwhelming amount of support, we doubled our goal in less than 12 hours!
Now it's time to raise the goal. Our new hope is to be able to raise $10,000 to help Arreavis with the cost of a functional prosthetic limb once he recovers.
The best way you can continue to help Arreavis out is to donate or share this campaign with someone you know, someone who might have a connection to Arreavis' story but who would not have otherwise come across this fundraiser.
A lot of people asked if there were other ways they could help out. After speaking with Arreavis, we're accepting household goods, toiletries, and food/litter for Kitty.
Shirt: Large
Pants: 32 waist
Shoe: 8
Please leave a comment on the Go Fund Me page if you are interested in donating physical goods and I will follow up with you!
Thank you!
-Connor S.