Our friend Tony is suffering from a life threatening tumor growing behind his left eye.    Without surgery, the tumor will continue to grow and create pressure on his brain as well as excruciating headaches.  The doctors give him less than 3 months to live if he doesn’t have surgery.  UPDATE as of 9/25- Tony's neurosurgeon is going to revise the treatment plan.  He will have laser treatement 3 times a week for the next 12 weeks to try to shrink the tumor.   If the laser therapy is not successful, he will need the surgery which is quite complicated with a long recovery time.

Tony is a humble man of God (and an Elder in his church) who has experienced more than his share of adversity.  He served honorably in the US Marines for 15 years, and for a couple of years as a police officer.  In the last 10 years he has survived bone cancer (with a complete bone marrow removal and re-insertion), and a case of the MRSA infection.  Both of these diseases could have killed him, but through the  grace of God he is still with us.

Tony has been a friend of ours for several years after meeting in our church.   He lived with his mother in Desert Hot Springs for two years taking care of her through her declining health until she passed away about a year ago.    Tony then moved back to San Diego, was hired as a counselor at the VA in San Diego, and became Denise’s weekly private bible study teacher for past year.

Three weeks ago Denise called Tony to talk, and we found that he had not eaten anything for the last 2 days.   He is on disability and his check had not arrived.   We called Round Table Pizza and they delivered him a pizza, salad, and soda that evening.   The next day we brought groceries to tide him over.

When his disability check did arrive 2 weeks ago, he was surprised to find only $230 instead of $1,100.  There were deductions from his check for overpayments he received in past years when he was on disability during his cancer treatment.  He was 2 months behind in his room rent (he rents a room in a condo in Tierrasanta), and his landlord was denying him kitchen privileges until he paid his room rent.

Through the help of friends and neighbors we raised $450 so far, which paid his remaining August rent.   His surgeon called his landlord to explain the severity of his condition, and how he needed to be in a stress free environment prior to surgery.   Their hearts softened and he can now use the kitchen.

Just prior to his diagnosis, Tony’s car broke down and needs a $600 fuel pump plus a $150 towing fee.  Since he didn’t have $600, Tony took the bus to work (and to see Denise for bible study) by walking up a 1.5 mile hill in Tierrasanta to the closest bus stop.   To meet Denise, he would take 3 busses to meet her for their bible study.

Tony is a kind, humble, unassuming man, and is not one to ask for help.   However, given the severity of his physical condition, and his need for the basic necessities (such as food, and a room to live in and rest), we have taken it upon ourselves to raise some money to hold him over though his surgery and recovery.

   We are looking to raise $2,000 for Tony that will allow him to get current with his room rent, get his car fixed, and have a little money for food. 

Please consider a personal request from us to help Tony.   Whatever you may be comfortable giving will be appreciated...no amount is too small.   Whatever money we collect during the week is delivered to Tony on Sunday when we take him with us to church.

Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord bless you in your lives!

Denise & Jim Casale

Proverbs 19:17  “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.”