Laird Barron: hospital costs, medication costs

Mike Davis here. John Langan, Jessica M., and I are fundraising on behalf of Laird Barron.

I think most of you know that Laird has been very sick these past few months. Now he's in the hospital, and he needs our help. The following is written by John:

I went up to see Laird tonight. He’s finally in a proper hospital room and resting. The results from some of the tests that have been run on him have started to come in, and my dear friend is not in the best of shape. Laird is already receiving care for some of what’s ailing him, and it’s having a positive effect. There are still more tests to be done, though, and more treatment ahead. Indeed, some of it will be ongoing.

He’s still exhausted and not able to talk much.

The big problem now is that Laird is without health insurance. This is because he makes his living solely as a writer. For those of you familiar with the US healthcare system, you know how dire not having insurance in an emergency can be.

A number of you have asked if you can do anything to help Laird out. Right now, this fundraiser is that thing. I know money’s tight, but no amount is too small. If you can spread the word, that’s of equal value. And all the good thoughts, wishes, and prayers have meant and continue to mean a great deal. Thanks.

Mike here: Laird is a private person and I'm trying to convey just how serious this is without revealing too much personal information. Make no mistake: This is very serious, and potentially life-threatening. That said: He needs a bronchoscopy. He has a mass on his lung. His blood sugar numbers are dangerously high. He will need medications as well. These are just a few of the things that will need to be paid for.

We are raising funds for Laird for three reasons:

Laird has been very supportive of so many in the horror community. It's our turn to give back.

And hey: we want more Laird Barron fiction, don't we? More Isaiah Coleridge, more Barronesque weird fiction and cosmic horror. Right? :)

Most of all, he's a damn good person and a great friend. He's a horror writer, but ironically, he's a bright light in a dark world. Let's make sure he's around for a long time to come.

Thank you, so much, for donating.

EDIT: A word about the goal amount: We are guessing, but $100,000 is probably on the low side. This could potentially run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. I simply selected the first 6 digit number. But we will know more as the days go on. Thank you so much for helping Laird.

EDIT 2: Jessica and I have now been able to set this GoFundMe up so that the funds go directly to Laird's bank account. I've adjusted the goal amount to $125,000. I sure appreciate all of you who have donated, and all of you who continue to donate even past that amount. You guys are awesome. Truly.

(photo by Arizona PBS)