[Vick]

While I am very sorry to hear of this tragedy and wish a full and speedy recovery

Speaking for myself (and some of the "family"/regulars here may feel the same)
You've come somewhere the principles and yourself are not well known and asked for help
If we don't offer aid it doesn't mean we are uncaring or beyond reasonable feeling, it just means we really don't know you and while we may have feelings about the horrible things that have befallen your friend .....

Myself, I believe charity begins at home and often some of us here face challenging circumstances and we keep it personal - sometimes myself most of all

Not to distract from the importance of your thread or your seeking aid but so you have a feel for Oprano and how some of us deal

My Uncle will be dead in 4 to 6 months according to his Doctors. He has inoperable cancer, it has metastasized through his body. He is taking radiation treatments but has declined Chemo as the risks out way the benefits

My Uncle is a great man, lived a great life and has incredible experiences and stories to share
He has told me he is not afraid of death, he lived a great life, has seen his children grow and have families of their own, had the opportunity to enjoy his grandchildren and my Aunt is well taken care of

His wishes are for his family to spend time with him before he is too ill to enjoy the time we can spend together. I'll be going to Michigan very soon to spend some time with him, my Aunt and my cousins and their children

It's hard to see this great Man whom I love cut down at just 68 years of age. He told me to get up there and we'll go out for dinner, have steaks on the grill another night and have a few drinks, talk and just hang out and enjoy each other's company while we can.

I've known of his illness for over a month now


This past week my ex-wife's Father (another great man, you couldn't wish for a kinder, more intelligent person) has been diagnosed with cancer.
His cancer is operable and the prospects of a full recovery are very good


so back to the point, if we don't jump up and rush to help, it's not that we don't care, it's we don't really know you and may have our own challenges to face

I don't ask for help, donations, prayers, sympathy or pixie dust
I see my Uncle strong enough to stand in the face of adversity and can draw more than enough strength and courage to be there with him