Tree Riley Medical and Living Expense Fund

Richard Riley, known to many as Tree (or Dick, or Rick) is an Oberlin institution! As the manager and buyer at MindFair Books, he serves readers in this area with his vast knowledge of books, Oberlin history, and pop culture. He always knows if the book is in stock, on order, out of print, just sold, when published, which in a series or whatever you may need to know about it.  Several generations of book buyers have come to depend on his gracious customer service and incredible store of knowledge.

Last Wednesday, he went to the ER with difficulty breathing and emerged on Sunday with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure.  The cause is not known but the prognosis is clear. He will need 8 weeks of cardiac rehab, then possibly device implants to stabilize his condition.  Many will be surprised to learn that Tree will soon be 75 years old, yet doctors are hopeful that he will be returning to some sense of normal with therapy.

Needless to say, the expense of health care in this country will affect Tree and his partner Dave, as it does so many.  With co-pays, new medicines, and necessary time off from work, the impact on their financial lives will be devastating, especially as they rely on Tree’s income to meet everyday expenses.  While Tree expects to return to work, it may not be back to full time. And with so much in the air about the progress of Tree’s condition, the emotional toll has an impact as well.

We are asking for support to help meet the medical costs and day to day living expenses until his condition stabilizes and he can return to work.  We know that his hospital co-pay will be $1300 and physical therapy and ongoing doctor’s visits increase the bills exponentially.

Please let Tree know that you miss him and love him and want to help! Our community is remarkable when we come together to help those in need and we’re sure this will be no exception.  Please help any way you can. We can’t thank you enough!!