I'd like to first thank you all for taking the time to read this page we put up in support of my husband Richard Steele.

It was the beginning of last month when, as the result of growing concerns from symptoms experienced by Richard which should have improved however had instead worsened and to a point of severity which could no longer be tolerated. The duration of these symptoms was no longer intermittent but instead was relentlessly spread throughout each day, every day as well as throughout the entirety of each night. A CT Scan determined that his symptoms were in part the result of a  condition known as Diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is itself symptomatic in that it coincides with larger and more significant issues developing within the lower intestines. The effects of the diverticulitis were severe swelling thru-out the abdominal area, an abscess of significant size and a fistula formation that would require removal.

These issues were of such urgency that despite having only been diagnosed 2 days prior he was admitted to Providence Tarzana Medical Center for a surgery, as extensive as it was unexpected. The surgery lasted 4 1/2 hours and his stay within their Critical Care Unit would total 9 days.

An 8-inch lateral abdominal incision was made, allowing for the following to be removed:
I.        a failing section of the lower intestine
II.        a significantly sized abscess
III.        a fistula formation

At the time of the surgery, there was only the one thing of with which to concern ourselves, however, all the many matters and details then put aside now require attention as it has been 6 weeks since Richard was last able to work and his return date is still anywhere from 4 - 8 weeks away.

I am reaching out to the amazing network of friends, co-workers, friends of friends and family to ask you for your financial support, donating what you can while spreading the word far and wide. All funds received will immediately go to his recently incurred outstanding medical bills and to costs to come until he is able to return to work.

Words cannot express how truly grateful we are to all of you, your help at this time is HUGE and is so GREATLY, GREATLY APPRECIATED!
No amount is too small...Help spread the word.

Our Most Sincere Thank YOU,
Richard and Lanette Steele