Nearly 50 years ago, John Spinello invented the popular board game “Operation.” Now, he needs help paying for his own operation.
Spinello’s friends and fellow game inventors Tim Walsh and Peggy Brown have launched a fundraiser in hopes of raising money to help pay for the board game creator's procedure.
The site is asking for $25,000 in donations. As of Wednesday afternoon, they had already raised more than $17,000.
“Much has changed in 50 years. John has had a good life, but has admitted to us that he is struggling to pay his bills and is in need of a medical procedure without sufficient insurance coverage,” the fundraiser on Crowdrise read.
While they are asking for any type of donation or even words of encouragement, they are also offering for supporters to purchase an autographed copy of “Operation” for $60, while supplies last.
Spinello first created “Operation” as a student at the University of Illinois, ultimately selling his idea to a toy invention firm for $500 to help pay for his tuition, he says in a video posted to the fundraising page.
Since then, millions have tried their hand at using a metal wand to remove plastic ailments from Cavity Sam without lighting up his bright red nose and hearing that dreaded buzz.
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“Because of the deal John cut when he was 20 years old, he’s not entitled to royalties,” Walsh says in the video.
Brown said Spinello isn’t bitter about the deal he made and instead “tries to celebrate his invention however he can.”
“I’m overwhelmed,” Spinello says in a video thanking his supporters. “I can’t tell you how thankful we are for receiving this. It’s going to go a long way.”
