Al Scarborough's Support Team

Some of you may remember Al Scarborough from the University of Pennsylvania class of 1992. Al has had a tough couple of years. Two years ago, he was diagnosed with a weak heart. For a while he was able to compensate until it began to affect his activities. Last May, he lost his job, and with it his medical insurance.

Since last September, he has had multiple admissions for congestive heart failure. He has not spent more than 2 weeks out of the hospital since that time. In November, he was evicted from his home. At times, he has stayed in his car and a medical homeless facility.

Over the last month or two he has become dependent on a continuous IV medicine to support his heart function. He now has end stage heart failure. Without this IV medication, he would not survive for long. Ultimately, he will need an artificial implantable heart and/or a heart transplant.

His biggest obstacle at this time is lack of housing. His continuous IV prohibits him from going to many facilities that are not capable of taking care of advanced heart failure patients. Many also require an ultimate destination, which he doesn't have. He does not want to go back to the medical homeless facility as it was not clean or safe. He is currently on hospice with palliative care services. With housing, his options for future treatment are much brighter.

We are seeking funding to help Al stay in a hotel or extended stay hotel for a period of a few months. At that time, it is hoped that his disability will be active and provide enough funds for him to stay in an apartment close to the hospital.  HIs ultimate goal is to return to Cisco networking and teaching jobs and to be productive again. Any assistance would be appreciated. Help is needed right away!