Sponsors: Jessica & Joseph Flaherty

We, the friends/family of Carl Rynecki sponsor this pledge request in memory of Linda Yanavich, "Buddy" Flaherty and Fiona Flaherty. #wizardlove #anotheronebitesthedust

Carl Rynecki has been a cherished friend to our family for many years. My husband Joe and I have shared countless memories with him, both personally and professionally. As a Michelin-trained chef and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Carl has brought joy to so many through his incredible cooking—he even prepared the food for our wedding and for the celebrations of many of our friends. In recent years, Carl has been mostly retired, but he continued to work regularly with Joe, sharing his expertise and friendship.

DIAGNOSIS & PROGNOSIS

Recently, Carl was diagnosed with throat cancer, specifically Tonsillar Squamous Cell Cancer V P16+. This is a NON-TOBACCO related cancer that is caused by the HPV Virus. The treatment has been intense, requiring chemotherapy and radiation, and has forced him to stop working. He has completed one round of radiation and chemotherapy and will continue to be seen by his doctors over the next three months to determine long-term what care he may need next.

ILLNESS CAN LEAVE YOU BROKE

Despite his best efforts, Carl has exhausted both his long-term and short-term savings, leaving him with only social security to cover all his expenses. This simply isn’t enough to manage the mounting medical bills, rent, utilities, car payment, car repairs, insurance, and food costs that come with daily life and recovery. After recovery, Carl will still be facing significant medical bills and unfunded living expenses.

WE ASK FOR YOUR HELP

We are reaching out to our community to ask for your support in helping Carl through this difficult time. Every donation will go directly toward his essential expenses, allowing him to focus on healing. Carl is under the care of the wonderful doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Hartford Healthcare and Yale Smilow Cancer Center in Torrington, Connecticut. With this pledge request, we also encourage everyone to prioritize their health: please get thorough medical exams yearly, discuss any high-risk issues with your doctor, and make healthy choices. Your generosity and care mean the world to Carl and to all of us who love him.

Carl is also an honorably discharged military veteran and has sought care at the VA Medical Center in Newington.

UPDATES

We will keep you all notified if Carl's ongoing cancer diagnosis as well as any other changes regarding this pledge drive.

In addition, we will be inviting everyone who played a part in helping Carl to a private Street Food & Music festival locally as a show of our gratitude.