Donation protected
If you've visited a major Gem & Mineral show sometime in the last 20 years, you've probably met Scott Kleine, the big guy with a big heart who owns Great Basin Minerals. And if you know Scott, then you're probably aware he has been struggling for several years to pay the bills from having his cancerous thyroid removed. Now, Scott is facing a vastly bigger challenge.
On July 25, 2020, Scott finally agreed to enter St Mary's Hospital in Reno after months of progressive illness. He was immediately rushed to surgery for what was determined to be a badly ruptured colon and bladder, and resulting life-threatening infection. His life was saved through an 8 hour operation that removed the ruined part of his colon, reconstructed his bladder, and left him with a stoma & colostomy. It is unclear if this will be permanent.
As of July 31, Scott is still in the hospital undergoing massive antibiotic therapy to treat a septic, systemic infection.
His hospital bills are expected to exceed $100,000. He has no health insurance at this time. He is in desperate need of cash.
I am also working with some of Scott's friends in Reno to find him a new place to live, as soon as possible. His old two-story apartment is now practically non-functional - climbing stairs will be very difficult or impossible for months to come.
In the 20+ years I've known Scott, we've shared a lot of great adventures, the likes of which he won't be able to participate in again anytime soon. And I cannot begin to list the many kindnesses he has shown me and my family, especially since we suffered our own tragic loss last year.
Now Scott needs us. He still has a great mineral inventory, but like many of us, his income and ability to sell specimens have been shattered by COVID-19 and the resulting cancellations of mineral shows. Scott has very little cash in reserve and he is facing absolutely crushing bills now.
If you can help, please do. Scott is a great guy and dedicated mineral dealer & digger. He's also a wealth of knowledge and a great asset to our community. Let's help make sure he can continue to be in the future!
On Scott's behalf, thank you so very much. We wish you all peace, health and happiness!
On July 25, 2020, Scott finally agreed to enter St Mary's Hospital in Reno after months of progressive illness. He was immediately rushed to surgery for what was determined to be a badly ruptured colon and bladder, and resulting life-threatening infection. His life was saved through an 8 hour operation that removed the ruined part of his colon, reconstructed his bladder, and left him with a stoma & colostomy. It is unclear if this will be permanent.
As of July 31, Scott is still in the hospital undergoing massive antibiotic therapy to treat a septic, systemic infection.
His hospital bills are expected to exceed $100,000. He has no health insurance at this time. He is in desperate need of cash.
I am also working with some of Scott's friends in Reno to find him a new place to live, as soon as possible. His old two-story apartment is now practically non-functional - climbing stairs will be very difficult or impossible for months to come.
In the 20+ years I've known Scott, we've shared a lot of great adventures, the likes of which he won't be able to participate in again anytime soon. And I cannot begin to list the many kindnesses he has shown me and my family, especially since we suffered our own tragic loss last year.
Now Scott needs us. He still has a great mineral inventory, but like many of us, his income and ability to sell specimens have been shattered by COVID-19 and the resulting cancellations of mineral shows. Scott has very little cash in reserve and he is facing absolutely crushing bills now.
If you can help, please do. Scott is a great guy and dedicated mineral dealer & digger. He's also a wealth of knowledge and a great asset to our community. Let's help make sure he can continue to be in the future!
On Scott's behalf, thank you so very much. We wish you all peace, health and happiness!
Co-organisers (2)
Kevin Dixon
Organiser
Lawrence, KS
Scott Kleine
Co-organiser