bill kapoun fund

i just heard about this today. here is an article that really hits home to me- mainly because he's not so different from myself. a few days ago (feb. 29th) bill kapoun was nearly killed in an apartment fire in seoul. i don't personally know him, but do know that we both shared being in south korea, teaching english to little kids. i wanted to post this to increase the awareness of his, and his family's situation. here is the article:

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, 29 FEBRUARY 2008--Early last Sunday morning a near-fatal fire destroyed the apartment of William Lawrence Kapoun in Haebongchon, Yongsan, Seoul, nearly taking his life with it.

William, an English teacher of 14 months in northern Seoul, was left with third degree burns to nearly seventy percent of his body. He is now facing numerous surgeries and a lengthy recovery that could potentially cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Because of William's contract in Korea he is now left without insurance. His parent's financial situation is no more promising. They have left 4 children, an exchange student and a grandmother undergoing cancer treatment at home. They are unable to work while taking care of their son in S.Korea, and Will's bills are already staggering.

Upon showing up at the hospital they were handed a bill for over $6,000 before they could even see their son. His first surgery alone cost $15,000. Our immediate concern is raising money for him to continue having the surgeries he requires.

Our estimated total is roughly $100, 000. This total does not include reconstructive surgery, physical therapy and various other treatments he will need to undergo in order to fully recover.

William is a world traveler, having visited countries across Europe and Asia. He holds a double bachelors degree in History and Economics from Indiana University, his home state. He is also member of the Acacia Fraternity. He is incredibly intelligent, confident, and caring. Againts all odds, he is fighting a battle inconceivable to the rest of us. We are all inspired by his strength and sheer determination to live.

WE have an opportunity to rally around William and lift him out of this terrible situation. Individuals are urged to join the Facebook group "Save Bill Kapoun". We will also be posting updates on his conditon and other ways you can help. There will be events scheduled in the near future, so please check back often.

This could be any of us. Please help.

this article is from www.billkapoun.com <- this is also where people can donate.
apparently there are many foreigners living in korea that have little to no insurance. there are also many who work for companies that will twist and change the contracts around in order to save themselves some money. i hope that in time, this horrible situation can get better..