Please help Charles and Jacqulyn Richey.
I received an email today from Max Chirkov over at IBSTeam.net (you've seen his links at the bottom of AR's Directory pages) asking for help on behalf of Charles and Jacqulyn. Charles has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare disorder that attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. Over a period of days or sometimes weeks GBS causes muscle weakness and eventually complete paralysis.
The good news is Charles is currently in the ICU undergoing treatment, and while "GBS" can be life threatening, Charles was diagnosed early and patients most of the time recover with few ongoing issues. While his recovery might take a while, it's my impression that he's going to be OK.
Now an ICU is an extremely expensive place to undergo treatment. He's also going to need ongoing physical therapy. Without medical insurance the need for support is going to be high. Max over at IBSTeam.net is taking up a Paypal collection, to help Charles and his wife Jacqulyn cover some of the costs of treatment.
I've known Charles for some time, he's a major impact on this community. He went out of his way to help me work through things when ActiveRain was growing. I know I'm not the only one he's helped directly or indirectly. Given that he has touched so many of us, even a small contribution from the many people that know him will add up to a lot, and go a long way toward helping. So if you can make a contribution even a small one please visit Max's page to do so. Max also has more information about what's going on if you'd like more information.
___
And please help yourself too.
For many of us that are self employed, I realize medical insurance is most often a low priority concern. It seems if we're healthy now, there's no need for it. In my own case, I grew up with entrepreneurial parents, and went into entrepreneurial work myself, medical insurance was never a priority. I've spent most of my life without insurance.
Through many medical incidents involving people I know, I've come to see that medical issues can suddenly hit any of us. I now have my own "catostrophic" insurance plan. I'm in good health and rarely need to see a doctor, when I do I can pay out of pocket. I have this plan for the unanticipated concerns.
I would encourage each of you without coverage, to take a look at what options might be available to you. Even if you don't expect to need medical attention having a coverage plan in place is in my opinion a good idea.
Donate to the Charles Richey Fund
Friend, husband and fellow REALTOR® was unexpectedly hospitalized read more
Posted by 
;)
;)
I hope he gets better! Your a good friend to him..