Hello Everyone,

As many of you know Sickle Cell Anemia is a debilitating, unpredictable and lifelong ailment many people are born with. Some of our country's most notable celebrities, artists, and  politicians have this disease. Unfortunately most of us in society are not one of them. One person who can attest to this disease is Glenn Elfer. He does not have disposable financial means to continuously manage this ailment as the privileged few can. As a freelance working Artist, he has managed to stay above water professionally since the mid 90s up until recently. Working and battling his condition Sickle Cell Anemia, but not without severe and painful setbacks.

The Issues:

Like most people with this condition, Glenn has spent a great deal of time hospitalized. He spent Christmas Eve 2013 to August 2014 hospitalized. The doctors confirmed his guess. He developed an ulcer, as well as damaged his small intestine. Resulting in his already damaged gallbladder to stop functioning. Between 2017 and 2018 several procedures and surgeries were performed. His gallbladder was removed and his small intestine repaired.

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His Doctor whom he had a great relationship with for the last 20 years, passed away. Vital health information lost in transition. His wallet was stolen twice during hospitalization. Resulting in the loss of vital identification, some of which has not been replaced due to a tight budget.

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Healthcare legislative changes are hampering his dental assistance. ( before covid pandemic )

The pandemic has made it extremely difficult for Glenn to get the proper dental care. Many dental offices closed. Some offices are no longer accepting his insurance. And doctors jumping ship, or not following through. This is causing serious issues in his mouth. Issues that were more manageable over three years ago. The damage is now extensive.

From Glenn:

In the face of closing medical practices and insurance policy changes, some of the medical care that I need is now financially unattainable without fundraising.

I have spent about a third of my life hospitalized. Over the last 25yrs I had a stroke. My right leg was damaged due to medical mistakes. Several surgeries and the removal of an organ. There are chronic and other issues as well but I powered through, using creative means to survive. working art projects, building relationships and learning how to eat healthy and exercise.

Recognizing that I’m not alone in this struggle, I partnered with The Smile Experiment.  A national non-profit organization to help with my Sick Of Sickle Cell fundraising campaign. As well as bring awareness to Sickle Cell Anemia. 

 

Like so many others, I find myself in dire need of healthcare support, so I am asking for assistance from the community. Please help me get back on track so that I have a fighting chance with this condition.

For those that know me, I hope my story compels you to contribute to my plight.

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The campaign www.fundrazr.com/sickofsicklecell goal is to raise $25,000.

Please share this campaign with others in your network as we pursue this goal. Or volunteer your talents & professional expertise towards the initiative. 

All donations are tax-deductible.

Sincerely,

Glenn Elfer ( artist )