Long time Kossack avalonbear has been struggling to get back on his feet — literally and figuratively — since being involved in a motorcycle crash last October. He is healing, even ahead of schedule. But the fact is that avalonbear was already dealing with chronic heart and lung conditions before the accident. His small disability check just doesn’t have any wiggle room for emergencies. And the accident was a whopper of an emergency. Then the car broke down, taking valuable funds as he needed transport to doctor appointments. Life just kept throwing more monkey-wrenches into the works. Avalonbear was raised to not ask for help, and this is hard for him, but he needs assistance or else he and his wife will be plunged into darkness with no power and no water.
NEWEST UPDATE: March 21st — Back in the ER again this weekend.
The need is worse than we thought. While the emergency of the overdue utility bills has been covered, unexpected new medical bills keep piling onto the mountain of old medical debt. This past week, Bear has been back in the Emergency Room — and that followed an already scheduled brain MRI and doctor visit. Bear just sent me this Kossmail:
I don't want the people of Kos to thinking I am taking advantage of them by asking for more when this time and the last they helped so much... we are looking at several thousand dollars but I can not ask Kossacks to give that. We could use 2k to pay off ambulance bills and put a big chunk down on hospital bills. Medicare is all I have and they don't cover all the cost. I really hate to ask for help after so many have given already. But until the court case is over I'm being hassled by bill collectors.I need help."
So, for the time being, we will continue to try to help this family chip away at this mountain of medical debt. If and when the court case is concluded (and pray it goes in avalonbear’s favor), I know that he will pay all your help forward helping others when they can as they always have. Consider helping this old friend and long time community member.
Paypal is theladyherself1971@yahoo.com. Every little bit helps. Thank you.
From the original diary:
Avalonbear explains in his own words from Friday’s diary:
“As many here know I was in a crash last October. I had my surgery on my leg and now the one on the shoulder has been done.And I have healed well from the broken bone and my PT is going great on my shoulder( I’m ahead of what they say I should be). I still have testing to be done for the brain injury and I’m seeing a neurologist, I have seen a lawyer about the crash. But due to medical bills stacking up and added medical supplies and equipment cost. we have fallen behind on our electric/ Water bill, they do not take partial payment and I’m sure before the end of next week they will shut us off. I have contacted the township for aid, but they are turning everyone away there funds have run out. Local churches also have given out what funds they had to help people. Family members are having hard times also so no help from them. Alexandra and I are at wit's end on how to keep the power on and water running. we are 2 months behind plus this month is coming do on 3-22-18 and the bill is $627.54 if paid before that date. And if paid before then they will not shut us off and add on a reconnect charge. If anyone can help us it would be greatly appreciated.
Paypal is theladyherself1971@yahoo.com. Every little bit helps. Thank you.
This is Dixiecollie again. “Healed from the broken bone” — what an understatement. Here are the real extent of his injuries, which have included brain trauma. He is improving, but pain is ongoing.
As fellow Kossack ursulafaw explained, “[Avalonbear’s] made a small amount of noise about it here, but he’s shy about asking for what he needs. He’s one of the most self-effacing and modest people I’ve ever spoken to. Here is how he understated the accident.” This was the situation in November:
My injuries were not life-threatening. But the impact did cause me to have several injuries. I have a broken leg, a torn rotator cuff, two sprained wrist, a large cut above my right eye “that took 14 stitches”, several spots of road rash, a concussion and a torn MCL in my right knee. So far not counting that first visit to a local trauma center I have had several doctor visits and went threw surgery upon my leg and ankle to repair and stabilize where the muscles/ ligaments were torn from my leg and ankle .I now have a metal plate and several screwsin my right ankle and foot. I have had more test and X-rays then I want to count with the last ones just two days ago ( two MRI’s).
Well, that sounds like fun. That would throw even a young healthy person for a loop. And sadly, ab was actually coming back from an outreach event in his community when the accident occurred. Even with his disabilities, he tried to attend as many veterans funerals and outreach programs as possible. Again, I will let him speak for himself.
“The night of my crash I was on my way home from a church youth group meeting where I and several other riders were speaking, about the Patriot Guard and why we are apart of it. I have been volunteering standing guard at funerals and riding escorts for funerals of Veterans. This is how I repay their service to our country. I stand for those who stood for me. And I stand to honor those in my family who have served.”
If any of you have read his diaries, you know that avalonbear is always speaking out for the less fortunate, for those suffering discrimination, for those left behind. He is a thoughtful writer and many of the diaries are reflective and personal.
UPDATE: The immediate emergency for the power and water bill has been met. But the medical bills just keep on coming...
However, there are still pending medical bills. We are hoping to raise another $300 or more to cover the past-due medical co-pays from the last several months as well as the almost daily bills that come in from bear’s primary doctor, orthopedic doctor, the surgery center and other providers that were involved in his care. Physical therapy and treating the brain injury is ongoing. Any amount of money donated over the original amount requested for the power and water bill will go to cover the out of pocket medical expenses, equipment, and co-pays as well as providing a little cushion so that they don’t get behind in their utilities again.
Thanks for considering helping this kind-hearted Kossack in need.
Again, the Paypal is theladyherself1971@yahoo.com.
P.S. I will not be around to host the diary or respond to comments, as I have a full day of hosting company in the real world today. But avalonbear should be dropping by to say thanks. Anyone from the Village, or Street Prophets, or Community Fundraisers, or Reinstate Bfitz communities who are around, please rec, tip, and help get out the word. Thank you everyone.
UPDATE: The emergency for the power and water bill has been met. But the medical bills just keep on coming...