Springfield Artist's Family Needs Help

The State Journal-Register reports that the death of Springfield comic-book artist Tom Artis has left his family in cruel, cruel economic straits:

The family has no money to pay for Artis’ burial and funeral services while trying to keep a roof over their heads. Kim, who had been her husband’s sole caretaker, said bills piled up as she was unable to work while tending to Artis’ worsening condition.

An account at Marine Bank has been set up to receive donations for Artis’ burial and his children. ***

He suffered a massive stroke in June that left him comatose, relying on a ventilator to breathe and a feeding tube to eat.

Earlier that year, ceiling problems at the family's home in the 1700 block of Clay Street displaced them. The house was further damaged during the March 12, 2006, tornadoes, and they stayed at the Quest Inn while they tried to get it repaired.

Artis' final stroke put a halt to those plans, and the situation quickly spiraled downhill, Kim said. ***

She said she and the children moved in with only three outfits apiece and nothing else.

The Artis family’s finances were also undermined when a burglar stole most of their possessions -- including his artwork -- shortly after Artis’ hospitalization.

Read the entire story and then, if you wanna help, you can send a check made out to The Tom TC Artis and Family Memorial Fund to:

Marine Bank
Attn: Gale Krueger
1401 North Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62702

Just a couple of bucks could really make a difference.

21MAY07: Update on Tom Artis Family Fund