November 23/25 update- Sadly Ray's shoulder implant has failed and this is causing his shoulder to dislocate. The surgical team needs to revise the reverse shoulder implant, replace humeral head and tighten all the hardware in order to hopefully result in a stable joint. Surgery will take place at St. Mike's hospital in Toronto on November 28/25 and Ray will be staying in hospital for at least a few days for pain control monitoring as this surgery will be complicated and difficult. Ray had just started to apply for numerous employment opportunities and had several promising interviews prior to this latest devastating development. As with his previous 4 surgeries this year, he will need time to recover before he's able to resume his job search. Ray has applied for OW and ODSP, however he's been told ODSP can take up to 6 months to get a decision on assistance. All funds raised from this gofundme will be used to essential bills such as rent, utilities and groceries. We are so grateful for all the assistance received so far. Your kindness has allowed Ray to continue to live in his own apartment and manage his utility and grocery bills. Thank you so much!

Update Oct 1/25- Ray is facing yet another shoulder surgery since his replacement surgery in May. That's 4 surgeries in 6 months. He's been medically unable to work since Sept 2024 and sadly is struggling to pay essential bills such as rent, utilities and groceries. Any help at all is so much appreciated- thank you

I'm organizing this gofundme for my brother Raymond. Ray will be undergoing major shoulder replacement surgery on May 13th! He's been waiting since October for a surgery date and his surgeon has advised him to not work while waiting for surgery. Those of you that know Ray will understand this doesn't come easy for him- asking for help. Ray is the person that helps and supports others. But right now Ray needs our help.

Ray will be in the hospital for 2-4 days following surgery, depending on the complexity of the shoulder replacement and his pain levels. Dr has said the surgery will be complicated with a long recovery time. Ray currently has no benefit plan he will need assistance with medication and extensive physiotherapy before he is able to return to work.

For the past 26 years Ray has been in physical pain. Quick history- in the summer of 1998 he discovered a small pea sized lump in his upper arm. That lump quickly grew into the size of a grapefruit within a few months and and it was diagnosed as a soft tissue sarcoma. The surgery to remove that large mass would change his life forever as so much muscle and tissue was removed that it left a very unstable shoulder joint with limited mobility and so much pain. MANY surgeries have been done of the years attempting to increase his range of motion, stabilize the joint and reduce his pain, however most were unsuccessful and in some cases actually increased his pain levels. Recent changes in his shoulder revealed he's been living the past 6 years with a dislocated shoulder as well with a humerous bone (the big one in the upper arm) that is splitting apart due to damage done during a shoulder fusion surgery years ago. The amount of pain Ray is in every single day is mind boggling, yet he continued to work, be an amazing dad to his 3 wonderful daughters and friend to so many.

As I said, asking for help isn't an easy job for Ray. Many people in his condition might go on disability, but Ray has always held a full time job as well as often working a part job at the same time. His daughters are the light of his life and he's such a proud dad. He plans to work once he's recovered from surgery. Ray gives back to the community in many ways, but his volunteer work with the Canadian Cancer society is so important to him. He has raised money by running in marathons, speaking at Terry Fox relays and show off his 'scar' in the Canadian Cancer Society commercial that aired Canada wide.

Ray his many worries right now. He's facing major shoulder reconstruction surgery with approximately 6 months of recovery time without the safety net of short term/long term benefits or a drug plan through an employer. Likely he will need extensive physiotherapy. Let's not let the worry about not being able to pay rent, or put groceries on the table be a part of those fears. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support and pls feel free to share.