If you don't know the name David Gerrold, you at least know some of his work. He is the science fiction screenwriter and novelist that is responsible for the classic Star Trek episode, The Trouble With Tribbles, he created the Sleestak race on Land of the Lost and wrote the novelette The Martian Child that became the recent John Cuzak movie.

David is turning to the internet for help. His son Sean needs to have surgery for a double-hernia that if it goes into strangulation mode would most likely leave him paralyzed. The family can't wait until the next insurance year for the surgery and the specialist is going to cost $10,000.00. For most freelancers, securing a loan is next to impossible. So David is going to try and come up with a fundraiser. He's even looking to sell their Honda EP3 for $7,000.00 to get them close.

Here is David's post about the situation from his facebook page:

I do not often ask other people for help. Maybe it's the way I was raised, maybe it's an issue of pride. Maybe because I like to be seen as the guy who can handle everything.

Whatever.

Here's the thing. My son needs emergency surgery for a double hernia that is this close to paralyzing him. We can't wait for next year's insurance to kick in, and we're not even sure yet what kind of coverage we can get for him. (Please spare me any rants you might want to post about health care in this country, unless you want to be defriended.)

Anyway, I've got to raise nearly $10,000 for the specialist. I'm too proud to borrow it (and I don't know anyone who has that kind of spare cash available anyway), but I'm thinking of a go-fund-me project to raise the cash. Here's the incentive. If we make the target, I could make the first third of A METHOD FOR MADNESS available.

What do folks think? Don't tell me you think it's a good idea unless you're prepared to donate.

If you can help and would be willing to donate for the release of the first third of A Method For Madness or want to try and help in any other way, visit David's facebook page for more information.