Support Ivan Riascos' Cancer Recovery

This GoFundMe campaign has been launched in hopes of helping Ivan Riascos with his current healthcare challenge. Ivan, beloved treasure of the Central Florida artistic community, artist, and arts advocate, was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. After about six months of close monitoring, the cancer began to become more aggressive. He was given a choice between radiation or surgery to have the prostate removed, and he has chosen the latter. The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, September 4th. He will have physical help here in Apopka to see him through the surgery and the first couple of weeks of his recovery.

Truth be told, however, Ivan is more worried about how he is going to cover all the expenses around the surgery and recovery that his insurance won't cover than he is about having the cancer itself. Copays are already mounting, along with other illness-related costs. If he recovers according to schedule, he will have used his limit of sick days from work at the Maitland Art Center. There would be no room for anything unexpected, nor any margin for missed work for physical therapy appointments which will be part of his recovery. All of this on top of concerns about the care of his mother and the upkeep of the family home threaten to overwhelm him. He carries a lot, and as a caregiver-by-nature, it is very hard for him to ask for help - he fears being a burden to anyone.

This campaign stands in the hopes of alleviating that fear, as well as some of the financial hardship he faces so that he can focus his attention where it should be: on recovery and healing.

If you would consider kicking a little something his way to help him through this difficult time, it would mean the world to him. Every little bit helps, and no amount is too small. Times are tight for many of us. And yet even the smallest amount makes a difference.

Any help you can give will be well-received and of immediate benefit. And if you don't have it to spare in your budget at the moment, perhaps you wouldn't mind sharing this campaign with other folks who might be willing and able to help. Thank you so much for considering this request!