The Jerry Baldino of Bridgeport, CT Fundraiser

Hello, family and friends. My name is Cindy Houley Thoma, nee Schopp, and I am organizing a fundraiser for my first cousin, Jerry Baldino. Jerry is as proud and stubborn as they come, so you know if he is sharing this difficult story, and humbly asking for help, the situation must be dire.

Seven years ago, Jerry was diagnosed with lung cancer. Currently treatment is ongoing with maintenance therapy. His condition is stable. Prior to this diagnosis he contracted Lyme Disease which resulted in the need for hip replacement. A few years ago he had multiple falls due to neuropathy in his feet. The falls caused spinal fracture and nerve damage to his lower spine. This led to him becoming bedridden.

Jerry spent months recuperating in a long-term care facility, which drained insurance money and a small inheritance from his late brother's estate. He currently requires daily home visits for assistance with activities of daily living.

Throughout his adult life, Jerry was an independent and passionate green grocer, but has been unable to work during this prolonged health crisis. His devoted wife Barbara Jean was supporting the family and caring for her husband as best she could; she is now being treated for recurrent lung cancer.

Both Jerry and Barbara Jean are on oxygen for COPD. Jerry is also diabetic. A few months ago, doctors diagnosed cancer of the bladder, for which he is being treated.

This almost unendurable period of health decline has landed the couple with $18,000 in insurance bills. Their income is currently $1,000 less than their monthly bills, and they have grown increasingly dependent on assistance and local aid. It is possible they could lose their house.

We are requesting donations, in any amount that is comfortable to you, to pay medical bills and for the ongoing care the couple requires.

They are depleted physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They have prayed and struggled and worked and been incredibly resourceful. At this time, after almost a decade of quietly enduring pain and suffering and countless indignities, they are asking for your help. Family is everything for the Baldinos. Blood is all we have, in the end.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. From, Cindy