Rick Powell’s medical treatment.

Dear friends,

I'm reaching out to ask for your help during what has become one of the most difficult times in my life. As some of you know, I've battled cancer before and thankfully recovered. However, I may now be facing another serious health challenge.

For the past five days, I've been unable to pass solid output into my colostomy bag. I've often experienced intestinal blockages in the past due to my condition, so I stopped eating. Unfortunately, without health insurance, I have not been able to see a doctor yet. However, based on similar problems I've had in the past, I'm guessing the issue could be a blockage or growth in my intestines. In order to properly diagnose the problem and develop a treatment plan, I need to have a CT scan done immediately. Unfortunately, without health insurance, the cost of the scan is simply out of my reach.

On top of this, if the scan does find a blockage or growth, I will likely need surgery to address it. As an English teacher living payment to payment In Mexico City, I have no savings to fall back on. Recovering from such a procedure would also prevent me from working and earning an income for the foreseeable future.

All I've ever wanted is to teach and bring joy to students through learning. The last thing I expected at age 61 was to potentially face another serious health battle without the means to pay for it. Any donation would make a world of difference and help provide me with both answers and treatment. It could even mean the difference between life and death.

I know times are tough for many, but if you're able to give anything at all during this difficult period, it would lift an enormous weight off my shoulders. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can offer. I'm doing my best to stay positive - your kindness and generosity would mean more than you know.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Rick Powell