Andy Stephenson has hepatitis & badly needs help.

[greatauntoftriplets]

Andy was diagnosed with infectious hepatitis on Wednesday. He is extremely sick and has been ordered to six weeks bed rest. Right now, his state of mind is extremely low -- as is to be expected.

This means that he is unable to work for the next six weeks -- and with the large sum of money that BBV owes him still unpaid -- that he is in serious financial straits. The bottom line is: Andy needs our help.

If you can, please visit PayPal at www.paypal.com and make a donation to [e-mail].

Thanks to all of Andy's friends.

[Beaverhausen]

1. This needs a kick

how awful.

[kick-ass-bob]

2. this is not good news.

another kick.

[greatauntoftriplets]

3. an eating lunch at my desk kick.

Before yet more meetings this afternoon!

[GOPisEvil]

4. Have you posted this elsewhere, too?

Just a thought.

:loveya: Andy!

[greatauntoftriplets]

6. It's in the 2004 Election and Results forum....

With Skinner's permission.

[Susang]

5. That's horrible news

I hope he will be okay.

[greatauntoftriplets]

7. He'll be fine as long as he does what the doctor tells him.

Rest, drink lots of water and eat sensibly. Though he has little appetite.

So far, he is, though he feels like he was hit by a truck.

[Red State Rebel]

8. How awful for him! Prayers up!

[greatauntoftriplets]

9. Thank you.

He sounds terrible.

[greatauntoftriplets]

10. Update from Andy.

First, he loves every one of you and thanks you.

Second, the free clinic that diagnosed him called him back in to run some more tests. After that, they are sending him to a hospital for an ultrasound and more tests. We don't know what this means, and cdertainly have no idea if they will admit him or not.

When I have more news, I will post it.

Thanks all.

[GreenPartyVoter]

14. Oh dear. How is his liver holding up?

[tavalon]

28. Just a quick explanation on the ultrasound

When a person has hepatitis of any ilk, the liver becomes inflamed and swollen. Unfortunately, the liver is encased in a capsule. Actually not so unfortunate as that keeps the liver all in one place, doing it's job. But, when the liver begins to swell, pressure is put on the capsule. If the capsule breaks, the liver and the person owning that liver can be destroyed. There are emergency meds that can be given that can stop the capsule from breaking and there are other meds yet that can be given to try to save one's life if the capsule is broken. The ultrasound will determine whether the capsule is broken or how close it is to breaking.

[geniph]

11. I suggest you also post this in the Washington state forum

a lot of us there are acquainted with Andy, and many may not patronize the Lounge regularly.

[greatauntoftriplets]

19. Will do, geniph....

Thanks for the suggestion.

The free clinic Andy went to called him back today to run more tests. Seems they changed their minds about the hepatitis (???) but told him he is still very sick. They are sending him on Monday to Providence Hospital for even more tests.

[donheld]

12. Excuse my ignorance, but who is Andy Stephenson?

:shrug:

[Shananigans]

13. I concur...I'm not sure who he is either...

[Bossy Monkey]

15. Longtime DUer; I believe he was formerly God_bush_n_cheney

switched to his real name, written like this, Andy_Stephenson, at the grand name-change party after the November elections

See here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=2397499

[geniph]

17. He was a candidate for Washington Secretary of State

Washington state, that is. He's been here at DU for quite some time, and was instrumental in publicizing the problems with black box voting nationwide.

[Kelvin Mace]

18. Plus, one of many people

shamefully exploited by Bev Harris for financial gain.

[liberalnurse]

20. Here, Here....

I second that motion. Damn Bev is a great dissapointment....

[tommcintyre]

24. He works full time on the election fraud/reform issue

He posts very regularly in the 2004 Election Results & Discussion forum. He is an indispensible source of information and help; and is always there when you need him.

[Rhiannon12866]

35. He was formerly known as God_bush_n_cheney,

A long-time DUer and one of the first friends I made here. Such a nice person, he was always very kind. He worked extremely hard with Black Box Voting, but there was some sort of controversy, so I guess he was never paid. I feel terrible about this.;(

Kick for Andy!:kick:

[GOPisEvil]

16. Kick for Andy!

:kick:

A kick for that God_bush_n_cheney a-hole, too! ;-)

[mzmolly]

21. Nominated.

Thanks.

[UrbScotty]

22. Many good wishes!

Keep up the good fight!

[JI7]

23. kick

[sandnsea]

25. kick

Send him my regards.

[Lisa]

26. hope he's feeling better soon

One of my colleagues picked up hepatitis while working overseas. It really knocked her flat. I'm sending a little contribution -- hope to see Andy when the BC/WA DUers eventually get together ...

[eridani]

27. Please post an address for check-mailing also

I HATE PayPal. I don't use it often enough to remember which cards I have registered there or what my password is.

[Rocinante]

33. A kick for check mailing

I don't have a problem with letting you guys know who I am as long as you don't have a problem giving me an address for you. Just let me know via PM. I don't have much money, but I'd like to help.

[EFerrari]

29. kick for Andy

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

30. Kick

Kick

[EFerrari]

31. Kick

[JohnnyCougar]

32. That sucks...no insurance?

Just goes to show you how we need universal health care.

On a side note, I feel I have to express how angry this makes me feel. I have absolutely ZERO money right now, as I am a grad student. But Bev was on here two months ago soliciting donations from this very forum, and now we find out that one of her employees has to raise donations himself because Bev didn't pay him. The irony is biting. Andy shouldn't have to rely on donations from us when previous DU donations were supposed to have taken care of him in the first place.

Can't he sue Harris? :mad: WTF is she doing taking our money and keeping it?!? Why does DU have to bail Andy out when first Bush abandons him (by refusing to provide universal healthcare), and then Bev abandons him as well?

I guess hoping that people will behave with dignity and fairness in mind is a fantasy that I unfortunately fell for long ago, and now am beginning to wake up. Give Andy my best, and I wish I had money to give. But really, it shouldn't have to come to us to support him.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

34. Andy

Please know that you have my deepest and most profound thoughts, prayers, best wishes and positive vibes extended to you for a speedy and comprehensive recovery. Please take it easy as much as you can and rest as much as you can and get well soon! I enjoyed meeting you in Seattle and hope to meet you again one day.

[philosophie_en_rose]

36. I'm so sorry to hear this.

Perhaps this isn't the best time, but I hope he can get some of the money that is owed to him. Unfortunately, the consequences of not being paid are higher than just not having the money.

http://www.wsba.org/atj/contact/legasst.htm (King County free legal assistance)

[greatauntoftriplets]

37. I just passed the link along to him.

Thank you.

[VelmaD]

38. another kick

For Andy. :hug:

Thanks to everyone on this thread for the support for a guy who really needs it right now. You guys ROCK!!!

[Bunny]

39. A kick for Andy.

His original screen name was a classic! I'm going to donate early next week, as soon as my check comes in.

Get well soon Andy! :hug:

[greatauntoftriplets]

40. Thank you all....

I talked to Andy briefly this morning. He still feels like hell and is more yellow than ever.

The hospital tests are Monday...ultrasound and I am not certain what else...he should know more in a few days.

[trumad]

41. kick

[miss_kitty]

42. kick

kick kick!