Mike/ Bear/ Yod/ Gooch Medical Help

I'm setting up this GoFund me campaign for Mike/ Bear/ Yod Gooch who was often times like a second dad to me for many yrs growing up.  He allowed not just me but about any kid to be part of his family with open arms and an even more open house to us all.  

I'm hoping an old friend of mine ,Bill Pekarski,  doesn't mind me borrowing something he recently wrote about Yod and how he could relate and am hoping it resonates with him the same way.  Many of us whom he "touched" can't be there in person today but he is constantly in our thoughts and prayers.   I know they are having a benefit/ chicken bbq today in efforts to assist with all of these mounting expenses.   Sadly, again many of us far away can't be present to participate in this but we certainly would love to offer some of our help, so I am setting this up as a way for us to contribute too.   I'm hopeful that if you can't be in Coudy today you will find a way to connect back here.   We all love you and can't wait to hear that you are back home in Coudy soon.



From Bill:

Mike has been hospitalized for a while now with some life threatening issues which has been a strain on his family both mentally and financially. Some friends decided to organize a chicken barbeque benefit to assist the Gooch’s with some of the mounting expenses Saturday, July 29, at the Coudersport American Legion.

It reminds me of how when I first started with my health battle, Beth and I were really struggling. My friends and fellow firefighters at Station 48 held a benefit spaghetti dinner for us. We were so touched and humbled by the incredible turnout of people and the gifts that were donated to the Chinese Auction that night.

It was more than just the money that was raised that night, my spirit and will to get better were raised as well. To witness such a show of support and love from my department and community was a huge boost for our morale; especially with the severity of what we were going through.

That is why Saturday’s event is so important. We get the chance to show Mike and Vicki how much we love them and what an important part of our little home town they really are.