Help Richard Secure Housing and Medical Care for MS

Richard and I first met at a weird little hippie school in San Diego (Muirites represent!) and over the past 40 years—from Matt Conlee and I kidnapping him for pizza runs to Arizona, to later visiting him in his adopted hometown of Hiroshima—have grown from middle school frenemies into genuine lifelong friends.

Now, Richard has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), and I’m reaching out because he urgently needs funds to maintain secure housing and to pay for other necessities, including food, medication, and transportation to doctors and treatments.

Richard was diagnosed with MS in June after suffering for several years from worsening mobility, weakness, and pain in his back, both legs, and left arm and hand. As of now, Richard has difficulty walking, cannot stand or sit upright for more than an hour at a time, and does not have the use of his left hand for typing or other fine-motor tasks. These chronic symptoms severely limit his ability to work.

As a result, for at least a year now, Richard has been living in poverty and on the verge of eviction and homelessness. Periodically, his friends have stepped in to help him pay his bills—help which he has only reluctantly and apologetically accepted. He has also applied for assistance from various nonprofit organizations. Thankfully, the National MS Society provided a one-time donation for rent for July, August and September 2024.

Richard applied for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) in November 2023, prior to his diagnosis, and was denied, which is unfortunately common. He has appealed the decision and provided additional updated information about his medical condition. Currently, the average wait for reconsideration by the Social Security Administration is seven months, but the process can take years.

Though we are relieved Richard finally has a diagnosis to explain his debilitating symptoms, we are acutely aware that MS is a chronic, incurable, often progressive disease. Richard will need costly medication and treatment. In the future, he may also need additional supports, such as cleaning services, and some level of in-home healthcare. MS is an autoimmune disease that can be exacerbated by other illnesses, such as COVID, and by stress, so it’s even more essential that Richard have safe, secure housing, and relief from the relentless anxiety about unpaid bills and the fear of homelessness he has been dealing with for over a year.

Richard is extremely reluctant to ask for financial assistance from individuals, but he has agreed to this fundraiser as a “final, desperate resort” due to his vulnerability at this time.

A note from Richard: I want to express my sincerest gratitude to everyone who has read about my situation as well as my heartfelt gratitude in advance to anyone who chooses to help me with whatever contribution is possible.