Four years ago my best friend "Paulie" Buckholz was told he has cancer. His doctors at the VA Medical Center in San Diego said it was probably the water he drank while stationed at Camp Lejeune from 1978-1981. The cancer started in his Kidneys and one had to be removed. Over the years he has had excellent treatments at the VA but the cancer has spread to his lungs with spots on his liver also.

About three months ago they discovered a tumor in his brain that they immediately and aggressively treated. In typical fashion, Paulie bounced back with great energy and a positive attitude. We were back to having lunch and taking our 10K walks. As up beat as ever, we talked about our upcoming vacation in the Caribbean to just sit on a beach, snorkel, go fishing and soak up the sun.

On one of his walks Paulie fell breaking his arm, and ending up in the hospital where they diagnosed pneumonia. Things didn't go well as he had to be intubated and was in the Intensive Care unit for three weeks. Friends and I visited daily until two weeks ago in late August he contacted Covid....in the hospital. This week we celebrated that he is moving into a rehab facility where he still has to quarantine for another two weeks.

Paulie is strong. He is looking forward to getting out and re-joining the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus where he has been a member for 23 years. He is going to win the fight of cancer and continue to enjoy all that San Diego has to offer. I am starting this Go Fund Me page to help Paulie get back on his feet, and to get his house ready for his return. We will use the funds for a home meal service for a while, and to help him pay some bills until he is strong enough to go back to his part time job at Einstein Bagel in Hillcrest where his customers miss him.

Paulie is a proud German Irishman and agreed to let me help, and I'm reaching out to our community, friends and generous sponsors to help Paulie get on with his life. Thank you very much.....Jim