Richard Buchnowski and Family

Family and Friends of Richard (Bucky) Buchnowski are raising money for Bucky's unexpected open-heart mitral valve surgery. With the challenge of distance in addition to this unexpected life event, friends of the Buchnowski's find this to be the best way to help and support them.

On April 7th, while on vacation with his family in Flordia, Bucky was rushed to the local hospital and then placed on life support shortly afterward. Bucky was then airlifted to a specialty hospital. Once there, the doctors were able to figure out he needed life-saving open heart surgery to replace his mitral valve. Bucky's family has been flying back and forth with his wife Becky staying by his side since he was rushed to the hospital. They have been away from their home since April 2nd and Bucky remains in the hospital. The surgery is slated for Monday, April 24th. This life event, along with not being in your hometown, has incurred many challenges. Becky has had to find multiple living quarters so she can stay close to the surgical hospital. The cost of airlifting Bucky and multiple housing moves to be closer to the hospital has been difficult yet necessary for the family and Bucky's survival. The family and friends are so blessed that the doctors figured out what was wrong and got him strong enough to go through surgery.

Bucky is a lifelong resident of Buffalo NY, a teacher in the Buffalo School district, and coached league and high school lacrosse in Amherst and Williamsville. If you don't see Bucky working in his "Proud Garden" in the summer you will see him fishing and ice fishing and hunting. He keeps his mother's tradition alive through his annual pierogi-making with his nieces and his family. You can't forget Bucky's famous canning of pickles. Bucky loves gathering with friends and family and crushing his brother, Jim, in bocce ball any chance he gets.

Bucky is the person you call if you need something and he will drop what he is doing to help.

So now it is our turn to help our friend and his family. Thank you for the support and we will post his recovery.

Please consider donating financial assistance along with continuing to pray for the Buchnowskis as they navigate this journey.