BooBoo Giuffrida Funeral
Donation protected
So, no one says drug addiction is a pretty disease. Gary (Boo Boo) Giuffrida has been an addict since he was 12 years old. He, as every addict, has gone through ups and downs. Those that know him, know that when he is up, there is nothing he wouldn't do for anyone.
He was arrested too many times to count, and he hurt a lot of people-his family and friends included. But what no one can question is his heart. Whether you saw him at Captain Johns or in Downtown Lowell, if he knew you, he always had a big huge hug for you. If he had something and you needed it, he would help.
He was one of the main subjects of the 1995 HBO documentary
High on Crack Street: Lost Lives in Lowell
which brought a national spotlight on the escalating crack cocaine problem around the country. He put his addiction struggle out there for the world to see--the honest and ugly side of addiction and how it impacts addicts and their families. It was during this time he was diagnosed with HIV. He responded very well to treatments and the virus remained virtually undetectable in his system for nearly 25 years.
He is unfortunately in the final stages of battling the cancer- bowel that has moved onto his lungs, this will now take his life. Hospice will be coming to monitor him starting Monday 12/5. His death has not been dignified, and he is coming to the realization that he will now be judged one final time by God.
His family needs these funds to carry out a modest funeral for him. As you can imagine, as an addict, an end of life plan was not a top priority for him. His brothers and sisters are all retired and only collecting social security, so there is nothing extra to arrange for this.
His is a fighter we will keep you posted via this page as to timing and progress and ultimately funeral arrangements.
His family will also donate every remaining dollar not used to bury him to a local charity fighting the opiod addiction locally.
He was arrested too many times to count, and he hurt a lot of people-his family and friends included. But what no one can question is his heart. Whether you saw him at Captain Johns or in Downtown Lowell, if he knew you, he always had a big huge hug for you. If he had something and you needed it, he would help.
He was one of the main subjects of the 1995 HBO documentary
High on Crack Street: Lost Lives in Lowell
which brought a national spotlight on the escalating crack cocaine problem around the country. He put his addiction struggle out there for the world to see--the honest and ugly side of addiction and how it impacts addicts and their families. It was during this time he was diagnosed with HIV. He responded very well to treatments and the virus remained virtually undetectable in his system for nearly 25 years.
He is unfortunately in the final stages of battling the cancer- bowel that has moved onto his lungs, this will now take his life. Hospice will be coming to monitor him starting Monday 12/5. His death has not been dignified, and he is coming to the realization that he will now be judged one final time by God.
His family needs these funds to carry out a modest funeral for him. As you can imagine, as an addict, an end of life plan was not a top priority for him. His brothers and sisters are all retired and only collecting social security, so there is nothing extra to arrange for this.
His is a fighter we will keep you posted via this page as to timing and progress and ultimately funeral arrangements.
His family will also donate every remaining dollar not used to bury him to a local charity fighting the opiod addiction locally.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jessie Giuffrida
Organizer
Lowell, MA
Philip Giuffrida
Beneficiary
