My name is Lisa Gray and I am raising funds for a dear friend and high school classmate of the great class of 1981 from Tongue River High School, Dayton, WY. We have been friends since the sixth grade and it hurts me to see him in so much pain. Rodney Bull was a remarkable athlete in high school, and track was his forte. He broke records, left his competitors in the dust, but still helped his teammates push through for themselves. Now he is paying the price for the wear and tear on his knees and hips. Anything is helpful.

Rodney is a US Veteran and is able to get many services through the VA. However, it's questionable on what they cover. Rodney has been in need of a hip replacement for quite awhile. The VA will cover the cost of that. However, before it can be done, you have to have a dental exam to make sure you're not at risk for bacteria. We got his initial exam done and the percentage of risk for him is very high. The dentist suggested pulling all of his teeth, having the hip replacement and then working on dentures or implants. The VA will NOT cover the removal of his teeth or the replacement of teeth. The current rate is $200/tooth and when you have 36, that's a lot of money. Two have broken since that exam. Rodney had to quit his job due to the pain. He now only receives social security disability and veteran benefits, which are minimal.

Rodney is, and always has been, one of the kindest people I have known. Having reconnected within this past year, I had no idea of the amount of struggles he has endured. He owes the VA money for all of the prescription meds he takes and they garnish his wages for that. I couldn't believe it! He is quiet, reserved, never asks for anything, doesn't make his pain known, so I asked his permission to do this to try to help him. He lives in a simple cabin in Story with no running water and a wood stove for heat. He has difficulty chopping his wood and toting the water. A well was never dug on the property and he's lived there for over 20 years. My sister and I have been cutting and chopping wood to make sure he has enough to get through the winter. We still have lots to do. If he could get his hip replaced, he'd be able to move more freely and do it on his own. He is always so grateful for everything done for him.

I am simply asking, if you have a few extra bucks lying around, please consider donating to a man who served his country, protected our freedoms, and would give anyone the shirt off his own back. As soon as the amount is raised and the teeth are pulled, the surgery can happen. Let's help him get back on his feet, relieved of pain and move him forward. He deserves that, and so much more.