Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth. National underground Railroad Freedom Center image. Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters: At the writing of this letter, my husband, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, is bedridden and in need of your help. While his countenance remains strong, his body is failing. He has cancer and the disease is aggressively spreading. A few weeks ago, the FDA approved a new drug, Zytiga; a palliative drug that is supposed to slow the growth of the cancer cells and control the excessive bleeding.

At this point, he gets a blood transfusion about every two weeks. This new medication retails between $5,000 and $6,000 per month. And while Medicare will cover a portion of the cost, we need to raise some funds to provide a few months’ allotment to determine the extent to which the medication is effective for Fred. Since his stroke in September, 2007, it has been an uphill struggle with medical bills climbing in excess of $100,000 annually. At this time, we are in need of financial assistance.

We are making a one-time request of a gift of at least $100 from 100 of you who love, respect, and/ or support us. The proceeds of this activity should raise enough funds to pay the necessary co-pays to hopefully ease the symptoms of the disease and add some months to Fred’s life.

We are believing the Lord to provide our needs and thanking Him and each of you in advance. Since we expect to receive the first prescription in a few days, we need to quickly collect enough funds to meet the July co-pay. Please send your donation by July 21. Realizing that not all of us are able to act immediately upon request, monies collected by July 31 will assure that the August prescription will be administered on time.

Finally, we realize that these are trying times for many of us and although our desires may be to help, our resources may be scarce. If this is the case with you, please consider using your influence to respond to our request. For instance, perhaps your church group could lift a special offering, or if you have friends who also know and appreciate my husband’s work, they might be pleased to participate. It is, after all, an opportunity to say “thank you” to a man who so freely gave of himself to lift his fellowman.

Please make all checks and money orders payable to: Rev. or Mrs. Fred Shuttlesworth, 1142 Edwards Lake Rd., Birmingham, AL 35235. If you would like to include a message of encouragement, it will be appreciated and each will be shared with him. Sephira Shuttlesworth