Help Scott Recover and Heal from Emergency Surgery

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 environmentist, 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.

On December 5th, Scott was rushed to the ER where it was discovered his appendix had burst (ruptured).

He had to have emergency surgery; an emergency appendectomy.

In the words of his surgeon, he "made it, just in time!"

After surgery, he spent 10 days in the hospital, where he had 24-hour intravenous antibiotics, an NG tube to constantly siphon out his stomach cavity, intravenous feeding for nutrition and iv saline for hydration (He was hooked up to a lot of tubes!).

Due to extreme pain, Scott didn't sleep much in the hospital.

After his release from the hospital he had to stay on antibiotics for another 2 weeks, because a ruptured appendix leaves much room for infection, and the body has to be protected.

As soon as he was able, Scott started a course of probiotics and other treatments to help to rebuild his system.

During his time in the hospital, and the nearly two months that he wasn't allowed to return to work, Scott lost thousands of dollars in income.

Although he has insurance,

there were still medical bills and co-pays.

The loss of income, and unexpected medical costs, have caused Scott much stress, and he has been talking about taking a second job, on top of his already full-time work!

When one is recovering from injury and surgery, rest is one of the most important aspects to true healing!

Working two jobs would be antithetical to Scott's healing.

Two weeks ago, we got the pathology report from his doctors, and in the appendix tissue, a tumor was found. It was small, but it was cancerous.

Although this news was shocking and disappointing, Scott has a positive attitude, and has decided to take a natural course of healing.

During that very intense time in the hospital, Scott suffered an infection from the ruptured appendix, and had to undergo certain tests and scans. After consultation, where the doctors told him it serious and "going to be a long haul", he said to me, "I understand the severity of my situation." And, in the next breath, said, "There are Brighter days ahead!"

"Brighter days ahead!" has become our mantra for his Healing.

We are holding this fundraiser, so that Scott can recoup some of the income lost due to this unexpected medical crisis, and help him to heal on all levels.

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. And to not have to take a second job on top of his full-time job, just to pay medical bills.

Scott is a person who helps so many people, in so many ways both out in the open, and behind the scenes.

Witnessing his warmth, kindness and proactive and caring ways, I look at him, and from day one, I have seen, and continue to see, a Golden-hearted man!

He is committed to continuing on his path, giving all he can.

As someone who is used to output, to being a natural giver, it's taken some effort for Scott to come to a place of acceptance, that receiving is part of the flow of giving.

So, it is with his permission that we are now holding this fundraiser.

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.

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