I am reaching out to you on behalf of a beloved and well respected member of the Belleville High School family, Mr. Ray Anderson. Ray has been a part of our security team for almost 4 years as well as the Assistant Coach for the BHS Men's Freshman Basketball team.
Ray's love and compassion for the students and families of this community as well as his desire to be a positive male role model, lead him to create the Man Up Mentorship Program with a goal of developing character, integrity and leadership in our young men. This afterschool program quickly grew to over 40-50 students in attendance each week where they shared a hot meal (usually prepared by Ray and his wife Toni) and discussed issues that many of them faced as young men. The growing success of the Man Up program prompted Ray to begin creating after school programs for young women as well as parenting workshops that he hoped to implement this school year.
Ray's easy going personality, kindness and compassion has endeared him to many which is why we are reaching out to you. As some of you may know, Ray was hospitalized in November because of severe cardiac complications. He underwent surgery and spent almost a week in the hospital recovering. Unfortunately, Ray does not have medical benefits through the security company he is employed with. Due to the severity of his cardiac issues, his cardiologist strongly urged against him leaving the hospital without a life saving medical device called a LifeVest. This wearable defibrillator vest is used for patients who are most at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. With Ray's mounting medical bills and lack of health insurance, he was unable to obtain this vest he desperately needs.
We have started a GoFundMe to assist Ray and his family with their efforts to obtain a vest as well as offset his medical costs. Thank you kindly for anything you are able to give.
Best Regards,
Connie Testorelli
