Help me do this for my friend, Phil

My name is Bill Wood. I currently live in Lawrence, Kansas and have known Phil since we became friends in the 5th grade 54 years ago. We have kept in touch through the years, and I am aware of the challenges he is facing in life.

Currently, those challenges are:
1. his health
2. finances- and tied to that- -
3.unemployment
4.much-needed house maintenance. 

I would like to share some background story about these challenges.

For approximately 7 years, Phil was the primary caregiver for his mom. He fixed her meals, took her to countless doctors, kept her company, was in charge of her meds and her calendar, and so much more. During his time as a caregiver, he did not take any vacations when he did work full time.  He was an advocate for better care for his mom. He held healthcare providers accountable for the decisions made from the day she left the house in September 2018 to the day she passed in May 2019.

After his mom passed away, life certainly looked different, and Phil had to make adjustments. Six months after his mom’s passing, he began to experience tremors in his left arm. Realizing he could not ignore them he contacted a neurologist in January 2020. In April, he received a tentative diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. That is not good news for anyone. The diagnosis was confirmed in February 2021 by a neurologist that specializes in tremors. On October 16, 2021, Phil’s boss told him he didn’t have enough work to keep him working full-time, and that he might have 8 to 12 hours a week for him. He also said he was cutting the hourly wage back as well. Phil has sent out roughly 40 resumes and applications since then with no results. This has placed him in a difficult financial situation.

Of course, Phil wishes to remain in his house for as long as he can. His symptoms are at the beginning stage, and his doctor is not sure about how fast this disease will develop. It is different for everyone. At this time, his meds have been increased which could be an indicator that PD is getting worse sooner than expected. Knowing that "tomorrow" is the unknown factor, he would like to see the house renovated for his long-term stay but does not have the funds to do so. This is where we have an opportunity to make a difference in Phil’s circumstances. Will you join me in helping with Phil’s needs at this time in his life?

Here are some of the items that would help Phil be able to live in his home:

1. Home siding replacement. The wood is falling apart and rotting. Estimated cost is $49,000.

2. Repair of the front sidewalk and driveway so Phil will be less likely to stumble and fall because of Parkinson’s Disease. Estimated cost is $15,000 to $20,000.

3. A Chair Lift that would allow him access to his basement. Estimated cost is $7000.

4. Carpet replacement on the main floor. The carpet has been there since 1984. There are frayed areas and other areas where the glue is no longer holding it in place. This can lead to falls for a person with Parkinson’s. Estimated cost is $10,00 to $15,000.

5. Some of the windows cannot be opened and the wood is rotting. Estimate is $26,000.

6. Improving the “handicap” accessibility of the home in the bathrooms, kitchen, and the front entrance steps. Estimated cost is $20,000

I think most of us are aware that construction work has increased in costs since Covid hit.

Phil also has current needs to pay his monthly bills, while he is seeking employment.

If you have any questions, please contact me.


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