Grateful Bread owner seeks help with medical bills

After battling a number of medical conditions, Rick Neuwerth, owner of Grateful Bread is still facing mounting medical bills.

Neuwerth said the Centron Services lawsuit, described in his May 4 Letter to the Editor, is now out of the picture.

"Enough money has come forward, that that is now settled," he said.

But Neuwerth still has more than $20,000 in medical bills.

"I had squamous cell carcinoma on the very back of my tongue and it metastasized into my lymph nodes, and that's what I had the cancer treatment for," he said. "Just two years ago, I had a cardiac event, and they flew me to Great Falls on a helicopter."

Neuwerth said Grateful Bread opened in May 2009 and that his favorite parts about running the eatery are his "wonderful crew" and baking.

"My mother was my main inspiration," he said. "I'd come home from grade school and walk into a house filled with the smell of fresh baking. She always made homemade bread for the family."

Neuwerth added that he is grateful to live in a community that is "so supportive of people who are having problems."

"I'm the kind of guy that always pays his bills, and to be put in this position where I'm powerless and I can't pay the bills and have these kinds of things happen, is just overwhelming," he said. "I really, really appreciate and am really, really grateful for all of their help."

Donations can be made through Bear Paw Credit Union into the account, "Rick's Medical Fund."

Additionally, the Hi-Line Quilt Guild donated a quilt to be raffled off to raise money for Neuwerth's medical expenses.

Tickets are $1 each and can be purchased at Grateful Bread, located in the Atrium Mall at 220 3rd Ave. The drawing will take place June 1.

For more information, people can call 265-2370.