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This is a true, unfolding story as you read this

By Staff | Feb 12, 2009

Doug is 43-years-old and single. He came to the islands over 15 years ago and has worked as a chef in many of the island restaurants. He has always supported himself, often working two jobs, but he cannot afford medical insurance.

At the age of 24, Doug was diagnosed with colon cancer. He had surgery and treatments and was doing fine for a number of years. Then, one month ago, Doug became ill. A large tumor was discovered which required surgery.

Doug was recently released from the hospital and is at his home recovering. Another surgery, however, needs to be performed. Unable to work, Doug has used up his savings and now he cannot afford rent, utilities or food. How is he to live? How will he pay for rent, utilities and costly medications?

FISH of Sanibel is working with Doug to keep his financial obligations current and to make sure he receives the medications he needs. Members of our island communities are reaching out to help people in need on Sanibel and Captiva by supporting FISH. Won’t you join them and help FISH help neighbors like Doug?

F.I.S.H relies on community support to fund all programs including an emergency financial assistance program, subsidized meals program, maintaining equipment, and overhead for the Walk-In-Center. F.I.S.H. also accepts donations of unopened and unexpired foods for its Food Pantry.

F.I.S.H of Sanibel, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer run organization assisting Sanibel and Captiva islanders and visitors with a wide range of services. For more than 26 years FISH has been a “neighbor helping neighbor” by offering services of non-emergency transport on and off the Island, a daily hot meals program, temporary loan of health equipment, in-home visitation, person-to-person telephone calls, hurricane preparedness information and health care referral service.

The Walk-in-Center is located in the Village Shops at 2340 Periwinkle Way, Unit I-1. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.