Help Bill Schwalb get well!

NEW! IMPROVED! Friends, neighbors & associates of known and unknown origin*,

(*- guilt by association in either case)

Hi, it’s Bill Schwalb here. I’ve been a resident of the Mission for 34 years, on 20th Street for 32 years. , long in the tusk at 66, I could use your help. When this Go Fund Me was proposed by a friend, I wasn't anticipating needing to do chemotherapy. So, what was initially expected to be a 3 month recovery is now in the neighborhood of 9 months. Life happens.

Twenty four years ago, I developed multiple chemical sensitivity. Since then, I have worked about 6 years’ worth of full time equivalent. Professionally, in California, I have worked in workforce development with youth and young adults and regular education. In the last 10 years, I have worked mainly doing event work.

The last 2 years have been rough. Hand surgery (Dupytrens, not trauma), a very bad hip bruise and just weeks ago, pancreatic cancer. The latter wasn’t the 7,000 lb. gorilla, just the 700 lb. gorilla type. Surgery was November 21st and my expected stay was 3-5 days. It turned out to be 11 days but everything got done. Being on gurneys with tubes in both arms, not able to sleep on my sides, my back got messed up. I lost 60+ lbs in the last 2 years. A rather drastic weight loss solution. (Don’t try it!). They found more than they expected, some bad nodes, and starting on January 30th, I’ll start 6 months’ of chemo. It is stage 3.

I’ve been an activist both in community and political efforts since my teens. I’m twice a civil rights plaintiff (named ballot access and class action peaceful assembly-Rodney King). I have had my own project, Scrounge, Finagle & Hustle to get in-kind donations to schools and local non-profits ($45K worth). Leadership positions that I’ve held in SF include SF NOW-volunteer coordinator, Western Workers Labor Heritage Festival, Power to the Peaceful core committee member, SF Bay Veterans for Peace Communications Officer and been called the “Mayor of 20th Street” by several long-time resident and business people. (All groups for ID only-not endorsement).

In the end, I’ll get through it and probably be in the best health I’ve known in many decades. There’s a Yiddish saying, “God will provide. If only God provided until God provides.” That’s where you come in.

If you’re in a position to donate some money to me, that’s great. Me, I’m a very good cause. Between lost income and additional expenses incurred and in the next half year, your donations will help me out. Will it be easy? No. But, as my friend said, “Who said life is easy?” Funds will help with getting new clothes, paying back loans to friends, other short-term debt and general expenses not covered by income.

The encouragement, support, prayers and well-wishing have meant a great deal. I’m in good spirits and “wouldn’t give nothin’ for my journey now.”

Peace,

Bill Schwalb