Graphic Novelist Seth Kushner Is Raising Money For A Bone Marrow Transplant
A day may be coming when comic book creators no longer have to turn to the kindness of others to help them pay their medical bills, but that day is not today. Writers, artists, colorists, letterers -- virtually everyone involved with making your favorite comics works in a freelance capacity, where healthcare remains a financial burden in America.
As you may have read a few months ago, Schmuck writer and photographer Seth Kushner has been diagnosed with leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. This week, his family started a GoFundMe page to raise $50,000 to make it happen.
Here's an excerpt from the description on the GoFundMe page:
Seth has a donor, however the transplant has been delayed due to numerous rounds of chemo in order to get the leukemia into remission prior to the procedure. He has been in the hospital for nearly four months now. Insurance does not cover all medical costs and the money we are raising would help offset the medical bills that are streaming in. In addition, Seth is unable to work, so the donated funds would also help support living expenses for his five year-old son, Jackson, and his wife, Terra.
Brooklyn's Union Hall is also holding a fundraiser for Kushner called "Save Our Schmuck." It will run from the evening of August 26 through the night of August 27, and include live comic readings by artists including Dean Haspiel, Molly Crabapple, Douglas Rushkoff, Josh Neufeld and others. Admission is $15.
Comic creators having to ask for help paying off medical expenses is a systemic, all-too-common problem in search of a solution, but until that time comes, it's up to peers and fans to help creators get through these tough times. If you can help, please do.