Leonard Covid-19 Crisis Relief
Donation protected
Hi, I'm Malcolm Ray, starving artist (actor) from the southwest suburbs of Chicago. After much deliberation and now having exhausted all alternatives, I'm creating this fundraiser for my 72 year old dad, Leonard, to help him and my mom out of the crisis that has afflicted them. Leonard contracted COVID-19 in the line of duty as a first responder. Not made aware of the contagion in the prison, he then passed it to my mom. My dad was given hydroxychloriquine then suffered a heart attack that required a triple bypass surgery. His condition dictates that he needs to retire immediately. But due to an uncompensated wrongful discharge from his job of 40 years at the penitentiary (where he contracted COVID-19), his retirement's been botched and owes 238 months of work before he can access the much needed retirement. This would have him retiring at 92. My parents have given their entire lives, working hard and serving others, in and outside the church, giving to the less fortunate, donating and driving charities. Leonard would even carry some cash to give to the homeless. Always, even when visiting to care for his parents with dementia in their precarious neighborhood, a 90 mile journey every visit. All while raising 3 children and 4 foster children. With bills stacking, he is trapped, the situation having worsened. He is currently scheduled for three surgeries, his job now denying him any further family medical leave. After a lifetime of sacrifice, should he continue working in his condition, we fear we will lose him. All due to a flawed and cruel retirement system.
Featured in the top left picture is my family, including my 72 year old father, Leonard, whom this fundraiser is for. We're ringing in the new year, really looking forward to 2020. Oh if we only knew how it'd lead to the other pictures.
In 2020 Leonard's encounter with COVID-19 was at his state job at the penitentiary. He had been working with isolated inmates who were isolated due to COVID-19. This was not communicated to him by his employer at the time, nor was he provided any social distancing supplies and equipment to work with these contagious inmates. After he and my mother tested positive for COVID-19 and suffered its symptoms, becoming pale and weak, Leonard was hospitalized. It turns out he had contracted pneumonia due to COVID-19. He was monitored, then prescribed and administered hydroxychloroquine at the recommendation of the doctors. Leonard has always lead a healthy lifestyle, exercising daily, never having encountered heart issues. Within two weeks after taking the medicine, he had a heart attack and was hospitalized a second time. The back of his heart inert, he required immediate triple bypass heart surgery. After spending weeks in rehabilitation therapy, Leonard has taken a crippling blow to his dexterity and stamina, his heart weakened, the back of it still inert. At 72 years of age, working has become much less viable for either of my elderly parents who also have chronic pain and conditions. He must retire immediately. Leonard needs to retire from this hazardous work environment, especially considering the negligence of its staff. But he's trapped. Having lead a life as a provider, raising a family, he always sought to provide. With his retirement botched because of his employer, he has no option but to return to work in handling his bills.
His botched retirement starts with his state job at the penitentiary he's worked for over 40 years now. He was once wrongfully discharged, then denied unemployment during the months long discharge in 2000. Additionally, after being rehired he was not compensated for the wrongful discharge and his retirement was reset. After investing 19 years into his retirement, it's now gone. In order to get his retirement he now has to work back 238 months with interest. He owes 105k to his retirement.
This is truly my last resort. I've never felt the need to do something like this until now. And I hope I never need to do something like this again. I need to help make a way out for my parents, and I'm eternally grateful for any help anyone can offer.
All my best,
Malcolm
Featured in the top left picture is my family, including my 72 year old father, Leonard, whom this fundraiser is for. We're ringing in the new year, really looking forward to 2020. Oh if we only knew how it'd lead to the other pictures.
In 2020 Leonard's encounter with COVID-19 was at his state job at the penitentiary. He had been working with isolated inmates who were isolated due to COVID-19. This was not communicated to him by his employer at the time, nor was he provided any social distancing supplies and equipment to work with these contagious inmates. After he and my mother tested positive for COVID-19 and suffered its symptoms, becoming pale and weak, Leonard was hospitalized. It turns out he had contracted pneumonia due to COVID-19. He was monitored, then prescribed and administered hydroxychloroquine at the recommendation of the doctors. Leonard has always lead a healthy lifestyle, exercising daily, never having encountered heart issues. Within two weeks after taking the medicine, he had a heart attack and was hospitalized a second time. The back of his heart inert, he required immediate triple bypass heart surgery. After spending weeks in rehabilitation therapy, Leonard has taken a crippling blow to his dexterity and stamina, his heart weakened, the back of it still inert. At 72 years of age, working has become much less viable for either of my elderly parents who also have chronic pain and conditions. He must retire immediately. Leonard needs to retire from this hazardous work environment, especially considering the negligence of its staff. But he's trapped. Having lead a life as a provider, raising a family, he always sought to provide. With his retirement botched because of his employer, he has no option but to return to work in handling his bills.
His botched retirement starts with his state job at the penitentiary he's worked for over 40 years now. He was once wrongfully discharged, then denied unemployment during the months long discharge in 2000. Additionally, after being rehired he was not compensated for the wrongful discharge and his retirement was reset. After investing 19 years into his retirement, it's now gone. In order to get his retirement he now has to work back 238 months with interest. He owes 105k to his retirement.
This is truly my last resort. I've never felt the need to do something like this until now. And I hope I never need to do something like this again. I need to help make a way out for my parents, and I'm eternally grateful for any help anyone can offer.
All my best,
Malcolm
Organizer
Malcolm NC
Organizer
Bolingbrook, IL