Help Rick Cusolito Recover from a Life-Altering Injury

Help Rick Cusolito Recover from a Life-Altering Injury

My name is Dr. Tim Page, and for years, I've had the privilege of leading teams of doctors, nurses, and volunteers on missions to East Africa to restore sight to the blind and underserved. These missions are a labor of love, but they are also made possible by the incredible people who dedicate their time and energy. One of those people is Rick Cusolito.

Rick is a vital member of Eye Team 18, working tirelessly to help others while bringing much-needed humor and joy to both our patients and fellow volunteers. Tragically, on September 6th, 2024, Rick suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury while serving on one of our missions near the remote Tanzania-Kenya border. He had to be medically evacuated via a dirt airstrip to Nairobi for an emergency spinal cord decompression surgery. This procedure is just the first step, and we hope Rick will soon need to be transferred back to the United States for further treatment and rehabilitation.

While we carry travel insurance for these missions, we’ve quickly realized it covers only a small fraction of the costs. Unfortunately, Rick’s U.S. health insurance will not cover the out-of-country expenses or the medical transport home.

Rick and his wife, Susan, now face an overwhelming financial burden as they navigate this unexpected tragedy. I’m reaching out to ask for your support in helping to ease this burden so Rick can focus on what’s most important—his healing and recovery.

Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a tremendous difference. Let’s come together to support Rick and Susan in this critical time and help Rick get back to his old self.

Thank you for your generosity and kindness.

Sincerely,

Tim Page MD