I am asking for your help.

I was diagnosed with well-differentiated keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma after last Christmas on the right side of my face. The tumor was aggressive and involved the facial nerve. It was removed on Valentine's Day by Dr. Walker at Loma Linda University Medical Center in an 8-hour operation.

Now I am going through radiation at Compassionate Cancer Care in Corona with Dr. Doggett. I am about half done with my radiation treatments, but they take their toll losing my sense of taste, having dry mouth, and giving me a sore throat, and excessive fatigue. Because the radiation is concentrated on my face, I don’t have taste, and I have no appetite. As a result, I have lost a lot of weight. Friends Eugene Borg, and Mel Campbell along with the compassionate staff at the cancer center have helped me with vanilla and chocolate Boost to overcome the loss of appetite and inability to eat. But attempts to chew or eat normal food result in throwing it up. I am unable to eat what is given to us in the dining hall at my retirement home. I need to perhaps get Boost that I can keep down.

About a year ago after my move to the retirement home, my diabetes worsened and I became insulin-dependent. The cost of insulin has gone up and it runs around $100. There have been months when I wasn't able to get my dose of insulin.

There was also a mix-up with my Medicare last month, before which I had been paying around $600 a month for all my medicines. I had to borrow from "Peter to pay Paul" and as a result, I got behind on my rent. Rent also went up to $200 a month.

To add insult to injury (and cancer), last week the catalytic converter to my Honda Odyssey 2007 was stolen. Because of the age of my car I have no comprehensive insurance to cover to have it replaced and fixed and the retirement home property insurance doesn't cover it.

Since the move to California, I had to put most of my belongings (especially my library) in a storage unit in East Ridge, GA/TN. One of the things that have kept my mind active and far from feelings of isolation despite my poor health is reading and writing. I would like to be able to have my library moved. Because of the pandemic, as all of you have felt, everything has become more expensive. I miss having my library.

Your donation will help with buying nourishment, medicine, rent, and perhaps finally moving the rest of my belongings from the east coast.

I thank you so much in advance.