Walter Florio Road to Recovery

Dear Family, Friends and Concerned Community

My name is Tim Barnes and I’m writing on behalf of my lifelong friend Walter Florio. He is recovering from a series of strokes and recent lung and brain cancer diagnoses.

Walter is one of the greatest guys I know. He’s a genuinely good person, warm, humble, hard working, and loyal friend. He’s got a great sense of humor and just loves life and sports. He’s a loving uncle to 10 nieces and nephews, and no doubt the most knowledgeable and biggest Orioles fan I know. If you went to Centennial Elementary or High School in the late 80’s to mid 90’s, or have been waited on at the deli counter at the Enchanted Forest, Towson, Bel Air, Eldersberg, or Westminster Safeway, you know this guy.

In 2008 Walter was diagnosed with a condition called Chiari Malformation. It is a condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal, putting pressure on the brain stem, spinal cord, and obstructing the flow of fluid from the spinal cord to the brain. It causes debilitating headaches, vertigo, problems swallowing, insomnia, and the general feeling of being very unwell. Walt had brain surgery in early 2009 to try to fix the issue but still struggles with some issues involving the disease to this day. Since his surgery health issues have continued as Walt has had 3 strokes and cancer diagnosis in both the lungs and brain. Through it all Walt continued to push through and continue his 20 year tenure at Safeway as long as he possibly could. Unfortunately, Walt's body reached a point of no longer being able to continue to meet the demands of that job which has led to several months of extensive financial hardship. His savings are now depleted, as he has over extended himself paying medical bills, and maintaining his everyday needs

The intent of this fundraiser is to help bridge the gap between what health insurance doesn’t cover, a substantial amount, and personal overhead so Walt can focus on his recovery. Due to his declining condition and treatments, he can no longer work, and his career experience doesn’t offer him the opportunity to work from home. The medical bills continue to pile up, and he is struggling to afford the everyday expenses of rent, food, utilities, etc.

Please consider donating. I know Walt would never ask for this type of help, so I’m asking for him. Through no fault of his own, the expense of this illness has him in a financial crisis. He’s got an extremely tough road ahead of him, but I am confident the financial support from the community would allow him to give this fight everything he’s got. Feel free to share this,he needs all the help he can get.

If you are connected with Walt on social media? Please send him your well wishes as he continues his fight. Financial support would be greatly appreciated. If you are unable to donate. Moral support is really important as well.