American Champion's Campaign to Fund Treatment for Beitollah Abbaspour

Dennis James, an American bodybuilding star, is raising funds to cover the medical expenses for Beitollah Abbaspour, an Iranian bodybuilding champion who is in critical condition due to vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels). James has launched an online campaign aiming to raise $100,000, of which over $30,000 has been collected so far. In his campaign introduction, James stated that 'Bito' is in the hospital without any assistance, and even the government has not provided help. He has sold everything he owned to cover part of the costs. He has called on athletes and fans of the sport to help, saying: 'Help Bito stand on his feet and see his children grow up.' Dennis James, who was a prominent figure in the sport from 1993 to 2012, is now working as a coach as he approaches 50 years of age. He emphasized that he is participating in this campaign as the first contributor 'so that Bito's child can grow up next to his father and his wife can have her beloved husband at home.' According to Khabar Online, 'It is hoped that a similar campaign will be launched in our own land. Beitollah is not in good condition and now more than ever needs our help.' Three months ago, when Ronnie Coleman, another American bodybuilding star, visited Tehran and faced severe criticism from government media, Abbaspour defended him on a live program on the news network, discussing the positive impacts of his presence in Iran. Shortly after, he was hospitalized due to his illness and, despite being discharged for a while, returned to the hospital due to deteriorating health. Various media outlets reported from the hospital, where Abbaspour stated that the cost of each injection is five million tomans. He has sold his car and has spent 160 million tomans so far. Some friends have rushed to help him. While lying on the hospital bed in a significantly deteriorated physical condition compared to the previous week, he told the news network's camera: 'I am Beitollah, and I will not go into debt to anyone. Once I get out of here, I have to pay back my friends' loans.' After this renowned champion was hospitalized, rumors arose regarding the use of dietary supplements. His treating physician stated that it is not possible to definitively comment on the cause of the illness. His wife told the news reporter: 'I ask the people, I plead with those who spread rumors to leave us alone. Instead of helping us, they are trying to trip us up.' Abbaspour himself has said about this illness: 'The damaged wall of the blood vessel can cause swelling, bulging, and internal bleeding. Vasculitis may be due to a mild allergy or exposure to medication, a chemical substance, or an environmental factor like insect bites. According to Abbaspour, the inflammation of the vessel is untreatable, but it can be controlled with new medications. However, if not diagnosed and treated in time, it can be fatal.