Hip Surgery & Recovery Fundraiser for Don Raber aka Ray Dalton

Hello Friends & Family;

OVERVIEW: I’ve created this “GoFundMe Campaign” to get me through hip replacement surgery this week and 6 weeks of rehabilitation.

WHAT HAPPENED: Advanced Arthritis!

Seems my nonstop activity has caught up with me!

After a year of pain and discomfort, a long overdue MRI & X-Ray showed my right hip was bone on bone. My healthcare professionals I've consulted with agree surgery is needed. My Orthopedic Surgeon Dr Tibari was recommended by my previous orthopedic surgeon Dr James Tibone. He was the 2nd opinion doctor. I'm confident in Dr Tibari's track record and abilities.

Current situation: I timed this surgery for December 10 because December is a slow month for my work. A few months ago I questioned my ability to get by financially if I go ahead with surgery. Literally that week, my left leg and knees began to act up a lot more than previously. This showed me that if I don’t do this now, other parts of my body are being greatly affected as they over-compensate for the damaged hip,

RECOVERY TIME: The basic recovery period is approx 4-6 weeks. This recovery period requires me not to do any physical work. My friend Marco is here helping me. The first 2 days I couldn’t get my legs into bed without his help. I am grateful for his kindness and help.The good news is I am able to sit up and work on my computer, catching up on lots of long overdue projects!

I do have Good Medical coverage through Blue Shield, but that doesn't cover my loss of income to pay for basic necessities.

FUNDRAISER AMOUNT: The $3000 Im raising will supplement my income and get me through this time. Simply, your contribution ensures that my basic human needs are met (food, rent, phone etc.) so I can recover and get back to the business of helping meet the needs of our community.

**POST SURGERY UPDATES: My surgery was Dec 10th and went well without and hiccups. It's been a rollercoaster ride tho. Today I have a fever. My body is saying “Not only do you chop off my hip, but then you insert a foreign object into me!” My body is adjusting. Slowly.

A Heartfelt Thank You for your Generosity.

-Don Raber/Ray Dalton