Dear Friends and Caring Community,

This is Sue Silverstream, and at the suggestion of wise friends, I'm holding this fundraiser on behalf of my beautiful partner, Scott Belongie.

Many of you know Scott through his work as a musician in Maine, his connection with the Natural History and Birding circles in the Northeast USA, and through his joyful participation, love and contributions to the World Flute Community. And, if you've worn a pair of LL Bean boots in the last 10 years, there's a good chance, that along with other skilled craftspeople, he helped make them.

Scott is great and loving father to his son Aaron, a wonderful partner to me, a dedicated, and active environmentalist, and a person who always stands up to help anyone and everyone, in any and every way that he can.

And now this loving and giving person needs *our* help as he faces surgery for prostate cancer in January 2026. Fortunately, Scott's prognosis is good and he has an excellent surgeon at Mount Sinai who is a world renowned expert in his field. However, this process will be challenging on many levels-physically, mentally, and financially.

Scott's medical insurance will not cover the full expenses of his medical care and he still has some medical debt from his emergency appendectomy of 2023.

Scott, who lives in Maine, will be having his surgery in NYC and staying with me in Kingston during his recovery process. There are many steps involved including the need to travel in and out of the city for pre-op testing, the surgery itself and post-surgical monitoring. This means travel expenses and a several nights in a nearby hotel to facilitate easy access to Mount Sinai.

Obviously, cancer diagnosis, the surgery and recovery process is stressful and overwhelming. The loss of income, and unexpected medical costs add to the stress.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT AT THIS TIME!

This fund-raiser can help with additional expenses including:

All donations will go directly to Scott, to help relieve some of this financial burden (and the stress it has been causing him), so he can continue to follow a healthy regimen, be on a course of good healing and anti-cancer nutrition, and get essential treatments such as acupuncture and supplementation that are *not* covered by insurance.

Although this news was shocking and disappointing, Scott has a positive attitude, and feels the love of his family and friends will help him through this tough time.

If you are able to give a donation to support Scott's healing, it will mean so much and truly be a help to him. His surgery is just around the corner (Jan 8th) so please give today!

As the saying goes, there's no contribution too big or too small!

Everything received will be greatly appreciated, and well utilized.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, to share it with friends, and to help however you can!

Thank you from my heart, for helping my Golden-hearted man.

May there be Brighter Days Ahead for All!

We Love you!

Sue Silverstream

and Scott Belongie