Mike's Brain Tumor Surgery Fund
Donation protected
My oldest friend Michael Di Biase, has a brain tumor.
Michael is a freelance artist, living on his own, who has supported himself through his graphic design business for the last five years. Recently, Michael was diagnosed with a rare kind of brain tumor. It is called a Vestibular Schwannoma or Acoustic Neuroma, a tumor sitting on the vestibular nerve in the left side of his head, connecting the ear and the brain. He faces a 50/50 chance of losing the hearing in his left ear, and a risk of partial facial paralyzation even if he receives the necessary surgery. If he does not receive the surgery the tumor will continue to grow with life threatening consequences.
In addition to receiving this devastating news, Michael has had to battle his insurance company in Colorado to cover the costs of using an experienced surgeon out of state and out of network.
Michael is scheduled to have complicated 4-5 hour surgery to remove the tumor on August 14th in San Diego, fortunately, with one of the best and most experienced neurosurgery teams available.
The estimated recovery time, assuming no serious complications, is usually somewhere between 4 to 8 weeks.
I am starting this fundraiser to help Michael pay for the flights to and from San Diego, the 2 weeks of lodging in San Diego directly post-surgery, medical bills, and to help pay for his living expenses for the 4 to 8 weeks that he will, most likely, be unable to work and support himself. In return for your help, Michael will mail each donor a "suitable for framing" photograph taken from his travels working for international NGOs.
Please support my friend, Michael, with whatever you can.
Our goal is to raise $20,000.
Many thanks,
-Peter
Michael is a freelance artist, living on his own, who has supported himself through his graphic design business for the last five years. Recently, Michael was diagnosed with a rare kind of brain tumor. It is called a Vestibular Schwannoma or Acoustic Neuroma, a tumor sitting on the vestibular nerve in the left side of his head, connecting the ear and the brain. He faces a 50/50 chance of losing the hearing in his left ear, and a risk of partial facial paralyzation even if he receives the necessary surgery. If he does not receive the surgery the tumor will continue to grow with life threatening consequences.
In addition to receiving this devastating news, Michael has had to battle his insurance company in Colorado to cover the costs of using an experienced surgeon out of state and out of network.
Michael is scheduled to have complicated 4-5 hour surgery to remove the tumor on August 14th in San Diego, fortunately, with one of the best and most experienced neurosurgery teams available.
The estimated recovery time, assuming no serious complications, is usually somewhere between 4 to 8 weeks.
I am starting this fundraiser to help Michael pay for the flights to and from San Diego, the 2 weeks of lodging in San Diego directly post-surgery, medical bills, and to help pay for his living expenses for the 4 to 8 weeks that he will, most likely, be unable to work and support himself. In return for your help, Michael will mail each donor a "suitable for framing" photograph taken from his travels working for international NGOs.
Please support my friend, Michael, with whatever you can.
Our goal is to raise $20,000.
Many thanks,
-Peter
Organizer and beneficiary
Peter Levin
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY
Michael Antonio Di Biase
Beneficiary