The time has come that someone needs our help again.
Persephone told us about her friend, Lee, that had a stroke back in this thread . The stroke was apparently caused by an aneurysm on his brain. He was taken to Detroit for surgery where he got the operation and has been taken off of the repsirator, but is still in pretty bad condition.
Because he’s a musician he has no insurance, and as expensive as medical care is these days this is going to devastate him financially. Lee might be able to get Medicaid, or whatever it is for adults. He also might be able to get some help from the VA. But these will just be for his medical expenses, and no one’s sure quite how much they’ll pick up, if he can get the help. And right now he isn’t able to work at all to do things like pay his rent.
We’d like, as a community, to be able to help.
I know we’ll never be able to get enough together to cover everything, but in a situation like this every little bit might help. If you feel like you can and want to help at all, I will once again serve as a rallying point. If you trust me (again!), send what you can to :
Patrick Malone
P. O. Box 1155
West Warwick, RI, 02893
Make the checks out to me, I will endorse them and forward them on to Persephone who can then make sure they get into the proper hands.
Thanks again for your time and your open-heartedness, which always continues to amaze me.
Being buried alive under medical bills myself, I’m afraid I can’t but much help in the financial realm. However, if there’s anything else I can do, I’d be more than happy.
I will be sending a money order to you on this coming Thursday (when I get paid again). I am also sending out my prayers and good vibes. My Mom went through the same thing in December, quite a trying ordeal. This message board amazes me with its wonderful members.
Euty, you are such a fine friend and sweetheart to do this. Bless you, and Cristi, for caring so much for Lee. I ain’t got much to spare, but I’ll send what I can moneywise, and a gracious plenty of good vibes. I’d suppose that Tim has already thought of this, but if not: in my experience, music communities are pretty generous when it comes to helping a buddy. Perhaps a benefit concert can be held for Lee to help with expenses? We did that many times in MSPI for blues musicians with health problems, and it always raised quite a bit of money.
Yeah! The idea of a benefit concert or two is a good one; I never thought of this myself until I saw elelle’s post. You never know; it might raise enough to cover at least part of Lee’s expenses.
Bless you, Eutychus and Persephone: you have shown what true, caring friendships are all about!
Starting this thread was actually Euty’s idea, and he did get permission from administration. So thank you, and blessings to you all, for allowing it.
As for benefit concerts…they’re already underway. A club owner here in Flint has one scheduled already, and my husband is actively working on organizing at least one more, because what my dear friend elelle said is true–the musical community does help one of it’s own. Especially one like Lee. He’s been here forever. He’s worked with everyone. My husband came to know him because Lee worked in a band with Tim’s *father, * many years ago.
The Doper community is amazing. I felt a little strange at first, about letting this thread get started. But then I realized that I’ve been at a loss as to how I myself can help my friend. I’ve been fielding a lot of phone calls and trying to help my husband with moral support, but I felt like I wanted to do more. So I agreed with Euty on starting this thread.
How much gets collected isn’t really an issue–anything will help, even if it’s just positive thoughts. Knowing that you care makes me feel so good, and so proud to be a member of this fine group of people.
I’d love to donate money but being unemployed I don’t have any funds to spare. As soon as I get work can catch up on some bills I will be happy to donate
My thoughts, prayers, and good wishes go out to Lee! This coming Friday I would also like to offer some financial help as well (Doctor’s don’t accept wishes for bills!). Good luck Lee!
Just found out a little while ago that Lee may need more surgery. He had what the doctors think my have been a “mini” stroke this morning.
And my husband has been busily making copies of tapes that he has, of gigs that he’s played with Lee. The songs he’s putting on them feature Lee on vocals–he’s got a really neat old-timey honky-tonk country voice. Tim’s going to try to sell them at his own gigs, and give whatever money he makes to Lee.
i’m really sorry that i don’t have any money to spare, being 15 and having no job. i’m truly sorry. if there is another way i can help, feel free to let me know!
I’m expecting a tuition reimbursement check sometime this week; I’ll send what I can, along with as much happy, healthy karma I can squeeze in the envelope.
sowwy… but I’ve got vibes, at least.