You’ve Got 99 Problems And A Lobotomy Ain’t One: GoFundMe For Howard Dully’s Medical Expenses

Think you’ve got problems? Think again.

Howard Dully is a son, father, husband, and author. He’s also a lobotomy survivor.

In 1960, Howard was 12 years young when his stepmother sought a transorbital (“ice-pick”) lobotomy for him. The reason? He was a difficult daydreamer who couldn’t sit still.

I first heard Howard’s story via radio broadcast in 2005. It broke my heart, and opened my eyes. Listen to the recording here.

Dr. Walter Freeman performing lobotomy on Howard Dully

Image courtesy: Howard Dully/George Washington University Gelman Library

Howard Dully didn’t have to come out of the lobotomy closet. In sharing his experience with the world, he bravely faced his uninvited demons, opened doors for other survivors, while closing the door on a dark chapter of his life. Photos from his childhood medical records speak a thousand words. And then some.

In 2006, when I was the conference organizer for the Eris Society, I invited Howard to speak. He accepted.

Howard’s presentation was so moving, someone from the crowd passed out. As the audience member was wheeled out of the room, Howard held his head high, and resumed his speech.

Howard Dully portrait

Howard Dully, the Gentle Giant. Photo courtesy: GoFundMe.com

Howard has every reason to be ferocious, vicious, and hateful towards the world. Instead, he chose to become a warm, personable, kind Gentle Giant.

Recently I found out that Howard is having some health challenges, and needs help with medical expenses.

A slice of this blog’s readership consists of freedomnistas, anarcho-capitalists, libertarians, and the like – folks who espouse that free markets, charity, and private enterprise will help lift those in demise.

I’m asking you to please put your money where your mouth is. Donate here, now. Then spread the word.

Chin up, Howard. We’re rooting for you. The world’s a better place with you in it.

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