Rally for Gene Sanders

There but for the grace of God go I . . .

 
A good friend needs your help. 

Gene Sanders suffered a major stroke in March of this year while on business in Houston.  This was not the first stroke to hit Gene, but it was by far the most severe.  The stroke has had a nearly devastating effect, significantly impacting his speech and motor skills.

Gene is still Gene.  Same quick and dry sense of humor, same smile.  But he is not able to walk independently at this point, his speech is impaired, his strength and general movement are limited - and he needs constant care and attention.  He is getting help with physical and speech therapy and is making some progress.  The reality, though, is he needs much more help.  This will be a long road for Gene, with many questions still surrounding the ultimate potential for recovery and with many challenges ahead.  The cost of his ongoing healthcare, therapy and in-home care are adding up quickly and Gene’s prospects of returning to work are highly uncertain, at best.  So financial concerns will soon add to the healthcare concerns and the combination could quickly become overwhelming.  Disability income will carry him only so far and insurance only covers so much. 

So Gene needs our help!  

Many of us know Gene from his many years in the trade show business.  He started his career in the registration business with what is now Experient and eventually moved to the show organizing side managing or helping to manage some of the largest trade shows in North America, including the Plastics Show, NAB Show, Supercomm and many others.  He has been a great friend to many of us, always bringing energy, a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship . . . and that great sense of humor.  He has helped countless people in and out of the business, in all kinds of situations.  In this he has always been generous to the core. 

So now he needs all of us to rally around him. 

Please consider making a donation so that we know Gene will have a fighting chance; and so he can get all the help he needs.  I know Gene will appreciate any show of support.  And also please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.