(1888PressRelease)
September 08, 2009 - COTTONWOOD, Arizona - A group of healthcare workers has banded together to seek donations for the aid and comfort of a local father of seven with incurable cancer. Monetary donations can be made online at www.donationsforrickalvarez.com .
Rick Alvarez, a Verde Valley resident and husband of nurse Linda Alvarez, was diagnosed with incurable bladder cancer in 2007. The cancer has now spread to his pelvic bones and resulted in lymphedema of the legs. Mr. Alvarez continues to undergo courses of chemotherapy at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, two hours away. His insurance is insufficient to cover the costs.
"Our medical bills now total over $30,000 -- much more than Rick's life insurance policy," said Alvarez's wife, Linda, "With Rick being unable to work, we've had to rely solely on my income, which doesn't cover the mortgage. Sadly, we'll be losing our home to foreclosure next month."
Mr. Alvarez, 48, a heavy equipment operator by trade, as well as an avid fisherman and motorcyclist, is the father of five children and two step-children, two of which still live with him and his wife.
A group of Mrs. Alvarez's co-workers has spearheaded a movement to secure donations for the Alvarez family. Together with friends, and family, they've held several money-raising functions to date and have a special fundraising dinner planned for later this month. "We created the DonationsforRickAlvarez.com website in June of this year to get the word out and to provide folks with a simple way to provide donations online as well as through the mail," said Carla Ginter, spokesperson for the group. "Although the outpouring of moral support and volunteerism has been tremendous, we're still far short of our goal. Rick's condition is worsening, the family will soon have to find a new home, and every contribution is appreciated."
Founded in 2009 by a group of concerned healthcare workers, Donations for Rick Alvarez.com seeks to help Rick and Linda Alvarez offset the costs of Mr. Alvarez's medical bills related to his incurable cancer condition and to provide comfort and shelter for their family of four as they seek a new home. Donations by mail should be made out to Rick Alvarez and sent to Donations for Rick Alvarez, c/o Carla Ginter, PO Box 991, Jerome, AZ 86331.
For more information, or to arrange an interview, please visit:
www.donationsforrickalvarez.com
Donations for Rick Alvarez.com
Carla Ginter, Spokesperson, 419-320-4239
carla.ginter ( @ ) yahoo dot com
Photos and image files available upon request.
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