Support Rich's Transition to Disabled Living

Our friend Rich Firestone needs help. A few months ago, he noticed a problem with one of his feet that required surgery. But the problem didn't go away. After repeated treatments, he faced the terrible choice of amputating his leg, just below the knee, or possibly dying. He, of course, chose the former. Rich and Kathy live an hour from the nearest hospital, which requires long-distance ambulance transport and visitation. Many hospitalizations, ambulance rides, and surgeries later, Rich continues fighting this battle, and the end is not yet in sight. As of November 8, 2022, he is back in the hospital in the cardiac care unit and has a severe infection. He has been transferred to another hospital an hour and a half from his home.

To date, Rich has had five hospital stays, three weeks in rehab, five surgeries (maybe more coming), four ambulance rides, and tons of medications. The anesthesia bills alone, after insurance, are between $3-4K each. When he leaves the hospital, he will return to the rehab center. He also needs a prosthetic and modifications to make his small house handicap accessible. And, of course, insurance doesn't cover home modification costs. It all adds up!

Rich has been retired on disability for several years and lives with his wife, Kathy, on a fixed income in a small, humble, rural family house. They've been making it, but now, he and Kathy find themselves with excessive medical expenses on top of new mobility challenges that, even with insurance, are way beyond their ability to pay.

Who is Rich Firestone? Rich is a gentle and unassuming guy who has been married to Kathy for over 30 years. They are doggy parents to a cute corgi named Harry. Drawing from his years in Baltimore TV and as a professional DJ for WLBR Q100, Rich volunteers as a weekly host on Radio Deer Camp, airing on WSPJ 103.3 and 93.7FM Spark Syracuse community radio on Sunday afternoons. (See https://sparksyracuse.org/programs/, Show Archive, Facebook Show Page ). Through this show, Rich supports many musicians, including small indie musicians struggling to connect with new audiences.

Whether you are a friend, a show listener, a musician, or just someone who truly cares about your neighbors, we ask for your help.

Please listen to this message from a few of Rich's friends, and join us in giving what you can to help Rich and Kathy get through this costly and life-altering time. Even a small amount will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for your consideration and generous support!

THIS FUNDRAISER IS SET UP WITH THE FULL SUPPORT OF KATHY FIRESTONE.