Pondo's Left Leg

Hi, my name is Bryan Blake (many of You probably know me as PONDO). I have suffered from venous problems & phlebitis (inflammation of the veins) in my left leg for years. I have always looked after it and treated it such that, while always an issue, my left leg has been manageable.

After getting kidney cancer/kidney removal in 2022, my leg was slowly starting to get worse and the phlebitis was starting to spread gradually. In the past 3 years, I've had Delta variant COVID (from which I almost died with less than a 30% chance to live & continue to this day to have after effects of), kidney cancer, kidney removal and dehydration. I have for the most part recovered as best as I can from these as ailments. Now my leg has decided to join the party

There is a procedure that can be done to help with the spread of this. Basically, they reroute/strip some of the veins in my leg. This will improve blood flow and greatly diminish the venous problems. Unfortunately, in most cases, insurance companies consider it more of a cosmetic situation than a medical one. Despite the fact that I have numerous physicians that say it's not for cosmetic reasons, my insurance company will not budge. I can get the procedure done and they will pay for a portion of it but I have to pay for it up front.

This is the hard part. I'm in the process of trying to go on disability but time is not on my side with my leg. I have enough for basic needs but not for this. I hate to ask because I do not wanna feel like a burden. Tears are running down my cheeks as I write this. So many of you, especially in the festival circuit, I've considered family for years and I hate asking for help. Sometimes, however, You have to be the bigger man and swallow your pride.

The bare minimum I need is $5,000. That will be a "down payment" where I can get started on saving my left leg. Any extra money will be added to the overall bill (insurance only covering 50%). Anything you can give, anything at all, will be greatly appreciated.

The highest donor will get either a shout-out on my one-hit wonder podcast (One Hit, That's It) & have a chance to pick every song on the show or a chance to co-host one show with me (basically being in charge of the show for one night.)

Thank you so much for taking the time and reading this. It means the world to me.

Together, let's save my left leg.

Bryan Blake aka Pondo