What can I do to help?

AWARENESS = KNOWLEDGE

KNOWLEDGE = UNDERSTANDING

 I am a 5th generation underground miner; my family has mined everything from Uranium, Copper, Molly, Gold and Silver plus Nickel.  I grew up with the best work values and appreciation for a hard day’s work.  My wife and I have a 2 year old son named Kai.  I also have 2 older boys from a previous marriage.  I am a great father, husband and a friend to all that I have worked with.  I have worked in many areas of the mining industry worldwide, from USA to Alaska to Mexico to Australia and Papua Ne Guinee.  I started mining in 1991 and have had the pleasure of working and training many new people in the industry as well as mentoring miners and management teams.   I have had problems with my bones and joints in recent years causing me a great deal of stress and pain, I haven’t been able to play with my son or enjoy activities that I used to enjoy.  This last year I was diagnosed with stage 4 Necrosis of my right femur and hip.  This means that the femur has died on the end and is damaging the rest of the joint.    This condition is currently affecting the rest of my body and more joints and bones are dying.  It is very painful and currently I just had my right hip replaced.  I will lose my job in 12 weeks even with the help of FMLA.  My wife and I have always helped everyone as we were both raised to and it pains me to even ask for help.  Neither of us has ever had to reach out for assistance before, my great friend Curt sent me your way to see if there was anything you could do to help.  Without help the rest of my body will destroy itself and each bone will perish leaving the body without the ability to repair itself and just live.

What are the treatments?

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
In its early stages, there may be no symptoms; however, as the disease progresses it becomes painful. At first, you may experience pain when you put pressure on the affected bone. Then, pain may become more constant. If the disease progresses and the bone and surrounding joint collapse, you may experience severe pain that interferes with your ability to use your joint. The time between the first symptoms and collapse of the bone may range from several months to more than a year.

WHAT CAUSES IT?
It occurs when too little blood flows to the tissue. This can be from injury, radiation, or chemicals exposure.

Raise your awareness of this painful disease and spread the word to help the families living with Necrosis gain the support they need both financially and emotionally.

Tony is one of many people The Richardson Foundation has dedicated its time to support.  We hope you will follow our lead and help us help Tony and many more families living with Necrosis!!

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What causes it?

WHAT IS IT?
Necrosis is a painful condition which consists of the death of most or all of the cells in an organ or tissue due to disease, injury, or failure of the blood supply

Symptoms?

What is it?

How can I bring awareness?

NECROSIS

Tony is a friend of the Richardson Foundation living with Necrosis and he was brave enough to share his story with us to bring awareness and raise support for families living with Necrosis