Spankos are awesome

I know I bitch and moan sometimes about FetLife and the BS that can go on there, and about the creepers and the Uber-Doms and drama queens and lord knows what else in the scene. But then something happens that makes me remember why I'm here: not just because of a shared kink, but because I know some damn good people.

We have a friend named John, known as JerseyJohn in the scene. He's been around the parties for many years (I think we met him back in the late 90s), and he's a big bear of a guy, Italian, deep rumbling voice with a pronounced Jersey accent, looks like he could have been on the Sopranos, and has a heart as big as he is. He gives wonderful hugs and is well loved by many.

Two weekends ago, at the Florida Moonshine party, John collapsed. He was taken to the ER, and has been in the hospital since. He nearly died; went into full arrest, had to be shocked several times and then put in a medically induced coma for a while. I don't know all the details, although a friend of his has been posting regular updates on FetLife -- but it's his heart. They found a large blockage and put in a stent, and now are running other tests and so forth. He is slowly recovering, but has a long road ahead. He'll be in the hospital at least another week.

Many local friends have been to visit him, and his wall on FetLife has been plastered with messages and well wishes. One woman offered to gather all the messages and put them into a book for him. The outpouring of love has been amazing.

Over the weekend, our Joe (AKA DrLectr on Fet) put out a call. He found a site where people can safely and securely make donations, and he posted "Operation: $10,000 for JerseyJohn by August 1st." He set it all up; all we had to do was click a link and add our donation. There was an option for a message, and you could even donate anonymously if you wanted to. Joe figured that with people rallying for John, they could easily meet the $10,000 by August 1st, when they would transfer it to him.

Joe's notice went up Saturday. As of this morning, the quota is nearly met, just a few hundred dollars shy. We had a month, and in less than 48 hours, it's nearly a done deal. The enthusiasm for this endeavor is so infectious, that even people who have never met John are contributing.

JerseyJohn is in for a lot of struggle, both physically and financially. But this incredible show of love and support is going to go a long way. Heal quickly, paisan. We want you back among us, and soon.

Spankos rock, yes we do. ♥

EDIT: Just checked the thread on FetLife. Goal has been met. :-)