hello brothers and sisters of the flame. i am saddened to inform you that FREEEK is in need of our help.
about two weeks ago, out of the blue he became very ill. he began constantly vomiting and has since been unable to keep food down. he has lost a great deal of weight and now weighs about 140....and stands at 6'2". he is also suffering from constant pain.
since then he spent a week in the hospital where doctors administered a great number of tests, but unfortunately they have yet to determine what is causing this.
the only solution the doctors have come up with is to keep FREEEK heavily medicated on narcotic drugs to help him escape the pain.
FREEEK is not only a glass master, but he is a great husband, father and for this he is huge role model in my life. he wakes up every morning at around 6am, when he does the dishes before getting onto the torch at 9am like it's clock work. he always rages until 5 when he prepares dinner for his wife and two young children. he truly is one in a million and has made a positive ripple in the pond of life, doing nothing but improving the quality of life for those around him.
so, i am pleading for help. i need help brainstorming some way to raise funds to help offset FREEEK'S medical expenses because he is currently UNINSURED, and all of us here know how that condition affects the quality of care one recieves. i am especially concerned because of daniel trilli's fate and the fact that even though numerous costly tests have been performed, FREEEK CAN NOT AFFORD TO HAVE A CADMIUM POSIONING TEST TO DETERMINE HEAVY METAL POISONING. This is FUCKED UP.
so please, keep FREEEK in your hearts and thoughts. i know that there is enough love in the pool of collectives to help turn this around....TODAY
if you have any ideas at all to raise funds, or would like to donate a piece, please get ahold of mye at rgutierrez@wisc.edu
WE NEED TO GET TOGETHER TO SAVE FREEEK
SO LET'S DO IT
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SAVE FREEEK!
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Been on the torch since january of 2006 and I just can't stop meltin! This past year I bought a GTT mirage and a lathe....now it's ON!
I'd like to give thanks and praises to the people that have showed me techs and taught me life lessons along the way, especially el Lupe aka the sloth and FREEEK
just remember: SAFETY first!
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Comments on This Gallery Page
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I nominated this. Thats some really sad stuff. I just racked up a $16,000 tab at hospital a few weeks back, and dont know what I would have done without insurance. We should try to find out what one of his accounts is and see if we can fill out a big nice order for him. Or something like that.
» Posted by
Chubbles
on 8/21/2007 4:08:13 AM.
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so sorry to here the bad news!!!!!!
i would be willing to donate a tube also if FREEK has any glass taying around i might be able to scroung up some $ to purchace some of his art.FREEK has always influanced my work and i want to help somehow!!! hit me up (775)247-7007
» Posted by
morgan
on 8/21/2007 4:59:42 AM.
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Helping Hands
I am also VERY ill-and, know what it's like to be overwhelmed by bills...never mind fear, anxiety, PAIN, and total disbelief when suddenly you are so sick...and, no one knows what's wrong! Although I am only starting out-and wouldn't have a suitable "glass" contribution...I think using gatherings such as the upcoming Bern Gallery to unite supporters. Even possibly have the feature blower for each day raffle off a piece. Then, forward the profits to Freeks' outstanding accounts. Continue repeating the same-raffling off pieces from the "premier" blowers, at more venues-and even Glass Blowing shop/Headshops - showing "novices", like myself, how close this "family" REALLY is! A bunch of hippies working together can accomplish far more than George Bush!! I'm sure all the glass blowers on this site would probably be willing to help any way they could! Be Well! Peace!!!
» Posted by
ChinaKat
on 8/21/2007 5:03:06 AM.
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One Idea
I could set up a donation box at the Champs Show and do a Raffle at the end to generate some money. Freeek is a true Glass Master and I hope he gets better. Best wishes. J
» Posted by
RollingHigh
on 8/21/2007 6:26:52 AM.
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sorry to hear...
I would be glad to donate a pipe for auction... Have you gone to Department of Human Services in your area?, They might help or maybe direct you to Free clinics for blood work...2078074240
» Posted by
MrGray
on 8/21/2007 6:57:28 AM.
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Freeeks wife here.... That's really sweet of you all. He's been doing much better and we're really hopeful whatever has been going on is passing. We do have state medical assistance for the month of Aug., but not sure how much of his bills wil be covered as he has had a few visits to th ER and a 4 day hospital stay w/ the miliion dollar work-up (that's what the dr. called it!) We're just hoping he continues to improve so he can get back to doing what he loves.... He has an appointment w/ a holistic dr. tomorrow who's supposed to be good and has been recieving shiatsu treatments from a skilled friend... As far as the cadmium test, he can go get that whenever but the symptoms don't match and we're doubtful that's a factor. While huge bills are a shitty reality, Freeek and I hold the belief that everything happens for a reason and that the universe holds infinite blessings for us... we will get by. Your love and concern are recieved and apreciated.... nothing more is needed, hold on to your hard earned glass and money. Thank you, K
» Posted by
Freeek
on 8/21/2007 3:25:02 PM.
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projecting white light your way buddy...
lots of folks here are moved by your work and personality. let me know if theres any other way i can help. 206-769-1117
» Posted by
JasonLeeGlass
on 8/21/2007 3:48:54 PM.
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glad to hear freeek
is on the up and up... my thoughts are with you...
» Posted by
MrGray
on 8/21/2007 3:50:57 PM.
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keep your head up!!!
"white light --white heat"
if there is anything i can do???619-750-8472
i do think that a donation box at champs is a great idea!!!! my best to you and your family!! stay strong!!
» Posted by
Arty
on 8/21/2007 4:09:47 PM.
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$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
may he continue on the path to recovery... best wishes go out to them.
» Posted by
AJ
on 8/21/2007 4:15:15 PM.
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we're pulling for you homie
the world needs more freeks, too bad theres only one.
» Posted by
JMadden
on 8/21/2007 4:21:50 PM.
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sending positive vibes your way
I love your glass freek,and I hope you can find out what all this is caused from. mabey just try making clear work for the first few days back on the torch. get well soon:)
» Posted by
SurfRat
on 8/21/2007 4:26:20 PM.
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man i hope you pull out of this soon!!!
we still need to collab...hang in there buddy...WE NEED YOU!!!
» Posted by
MikeLuna
on 8/21/2007 8:14:38 PM.
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AQUA CHI !!!!!!!!!!!!!
this might sound like some hippy shit, but check out holistic spas for aqua chi machines. they are amazing at pulling toxins out of your body. as far as i know they just use water and minerals in a foot tub. should only cost $20-60. much love brother kido
» Posted by
kidO
on 8/22/2007 1:23:47 AM.
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i wish the best for you and your family... glad to hear your feeling better! hope to see you cranking out again soon! BDMN~
» Posted by
J.Ross
on 8/22/2007 6:39:42 AM.
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///
Glad to hear you're feeling better. Be well.
» Posted by
DaddyO
on 8/22/2007 2:45:37 PM.
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best wishes Freek!!!!
hang in there buddy!
» Posted by
PaKoH
on 8/22/2007 6:32:20 PM.
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metals
in reguards to metal poisoning, or toxin build up in general, perhaps look into supplements containing 'CHELATING' agents. these are enzymes er waddever that carry a negative electrical charge (-ions) as are released by stormclouds, generated in free-flowing water and waterfalls... anyway, such charged particles help break molecular bonds in minerals.in this case it helps rid heavy metals from the body... something to look into, hope it helps. blessings and strength as you move through this time of change. Dan
» Posted by
FluidMotionGlassworks
on 8/22/2007 8:38:13 PM.
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Get well Freek and come back stronger. peace
» Posted by
AndyD
on 8/23/2007 2:29:14 AM.
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()
Get well soon
» Posted by
MarkF
on 8/23/2007 3:02:43 PM.
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update
first off let me say thank you to everyone for your support and prayers during this time ...it is heartfelt and a blessing... as for my condition, i'm feeling i've rounded a corner...i'm eating again and haven't experienced any pain in a few days...i'm still extemely weak but feel as though recovery is near... still no word as to what this could have been but i'm still looking for awnsers...again, i cannot express my grattitude to this community enough...it sure feels good to have such a big family!
» Posted by
Freeek
on 8/23/2007 8:04:53 PM.
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amazing guy.... infinite talent
best wishes... get well soon
» Posted by
PhattAssGlass
on 8/24/2007 10:13:01 AM.
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Best wishes
Healing thoughts to you. We'll be glad to help in any way we can if the need arises. M&M
» Posted by
EugeneRain
on 8/24/2007 8:47:52 PM.
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happy to hear ur felling better
anyone who generates as much positive energy as freek and all the others on this site are truley more than artists so many willing to help this is the closest community of people always helping and pushing each other to be better and get better if there is any thing i know is that sitiuations like this pull people together even more and show just how strong a place like this can make us keep it burning out there man peace
» Posted by
LongBeachGlass
on 8/25/2007 10:31:23 PM.
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great stuff..!!
thanx for keepin us posted...glad you are doing well..!!!
» Posted by
Arty
on 8/28/2007 4:32:36 PM.
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scary shit man
i'm glad 2 hear ur doing better its great 2 c the glass fam come 2 gether like this 2 help a brother out. i who ur back on the torch soon love to c ur glass.
» Posted by
GlassMasterBen
on 8/28/2007 6:05:46 PM.
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.............
good to hear your feeling better. love what you do with your glass!!!
» Posted by
AddictedToGlass
on 8/30/2007 9:34:18 AM.
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Our thoughts have been with you
Eat good, rest up, and surround yourself with love.
» Posted by
Clinton
on 8/30/2007 7:03:48 PM.
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please continue to keep us updated...
as a kid who fumes (and sometimes works long hours) i always wonder about health concerns. it seems that most folks dont know much about metal poisoning. its scary. we could all use some education. hope you are feelin 100% again godspeed broda
» Posted by
kidO
on 8/30/2007 8:00:15 PM.
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~Love~
Im sending love yer way and i hope you feel better soon~ Your work is inspiring to say the least~ Get well!
» Posted by
Eusheen
on 9/1/2007 8:49:13 PM.
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Once again thank you all so much!!!! Positive vibrations well recieved!!! I'm feeling great, eating all day and getting back to living... most of Aug is a blur but Sept. looks to be great!!! MUCH BLESSINGS & BIG RESPECT
» Posted by
Freeek
on 9/2/2007 12:36:33 AM.
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dude..
that's crazy.. glad to hear your coming around..
» Posted by
AdamG
on 9/9/2007 1:45:49 AM.
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