Dear Friends, Family, and Compassionate Supporters,
My name is Christina, and I am reaching out on behalf of my friend, Gary Schaffner, a kindhearted man from Michigan who has endured an unimaginable medical journey for the past eight years.
After a botched gastric bypass surgery, Gary has undergone
more than 100 operations and procedures to manage the many devastating complications that resulted. He has fought hard through sepsis, nerve damage, kidney failure, a partial gastrectomy, bowel resecion, necrosis, abdominal reconstruction and more, including losing and having to relearn the ability to walk. Of which he will always remain disabled needing mobility assistance.
One of the most serious and painful issues he continues to face today is a decubitus ulcer — a deep, chronic wound on his lower back that has remained open for over 8 years. Causing immense pain, reoccurring and chronic infections, and repeated painful procedures to manage.
Despite endless efforts by local doctors, this wound still hasnt healed. Gary’s case is too complex for them and has been referred to Cleveland Clinic. Now, for the first time in years, there is real hope.
Gary has been approved for surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, one of the leading medical centers in the nation. The specialists there are hopeful that they can finally close his wound and set him on a path toward healing, improved mobility, and a better quality of life. However, the procedure is highly complex, and with that comes significant risk—including the possibility of further loss of mobility or other functions. Despite these challenges, this surgery may be his best chance at recovery. Unfortunately, the financial burden of the treatment is more than Gary and his loved ones can bear alone.
This will take place out of his home state, requiring a prolonged 2 month stay. Many costs are not covered yet are vital to a successful recovery. Namely being in-patient post operative rehabilitation services and medical monitoring in a long term care facility. Along with many other expenses.
Sadly this life altering surgery is not going to happen without a miracle. This long journey, Gary and his wife April, have endured for over 8 years has depleted all resources.
We’re humbly asking for your support to make this hopefully final chapter possible. Every dollar raised will go directly toward covering the essential expenses that allow Gary to receive this surgery, and access post operative care.
Please, if you can, donate, share, and help us spread the word. Gary deserves a chance to heal, to live without pain, and to finally move forward.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generosity and compassion.
Let’s help Gary heal — and give him back the life he’s been fighting for.
