Monty Houston needs our help

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By Aaron Waldron
LiveRC.com

Longtime Pacific Northwest off-road racing veteran and Houston's Engine Service founder Monty Houston is fighting a rare auto-immune disease - and his mother has set up a crowd funding campaign to help alleviate the stress of his expensive treatments.

Here is more information on Houston's condition from the GoFundMe page:

Many of you don't know this, but my son Monty (aka Bugsy), has been suffering in silence for over 12 years now.  He has continued to work while fighting the effects of Hidradenitis Supperative, a rare auto-immune disease that causes painful lesions on the body that do not heal on their own.  As you've probably noticed, he's lost over 130 lbs. trying to limit foods that potentially exacerbate his condition.  Most recently he underwent a series of expensive infusions (much like chemotherapy), with the hope that it might help.  Unfortunately, these treatments were unsuccessful, and they nearly took his life.  The specialists at OHSU had given up on helping Monty.  They claimed that they had tried everything and there was nothing more they could do for him. 

He probably wouldn't want anyone to know this, but a few weeks ago, he collapsed in the parking lot after work unable to get up on his own.  His pain was excruciating and he was developing a high-grade fever from infection.   Thankfully, coworkers were there to help.  Later that day he sent a text to me saying "Mom, I'm not so tough anymore."  It was starting to look like he might lose this battle.  

Shortly after this though, a miracle happened...

After years of searching for help on the internet, Monty's amazing wife Amber discovered one doctor in the US willing to perform surgery for this rare condition. And what's wonderful...so far, the surgery had a 90% success rate!  When she showed Monty what she had found, he watched some of the patient testimonials, and began to cry.  Finally, he didn't feel alone... more importantly though, it was looking like they might be able to fight this.  They called the Dr. immediately, both took a leave of absence from work and drove to LA for a consultation.  

The consultation went well, although the Dr. said Monty's case was one of the worst he had ever seen.  He needed to be admitted immediately.  The next morning (this last Friday), they began the first of a series of 8 painful surgeries that will take place over the next 3 weeks.  Once released from the hospital, they are estimating he will have approximately 3 months of recovery at which point he  will return for the last bit of surgery to remove the affected areas.   There's no telling how soon he will be able to return to work.  With a mortgage to pay,  a huge deductible, medical premiums (which he must pay in order to continue care), travel expenses, and no income...it's a lot of added stress on their family.  When I told my son that I was going to set up a gofundme account for him to try and help, he responded by saying "mom, I don't want charity."   Well sorry Monty, but this time...mom wins!  

For those of you who know and love my son...this is a reminder of the life he lives when he's feeling better:

and of course...

A dedicated husband and father of 2 girls.  He's also a son, a brother, a grandson, and a friend that would do anything for the people he loves.  My prayer for him is that he doesn't have to feel like he might lose everything, while he fights to get his old life back.  I need your help to make that happen! 

Any and ALL contributions are greatly appreciated.  God bless and thank you in advance for your love and support.

Sincerely, 

Ramona Gantz (Monty's Mom)