BJJ Prof. Eric Cady Medical Fund
Eric Cady is many things to many people:
Friend, mentor, teacher. Beloved husband and step-father. Talented artist. Athlete. Skilled craftsman. Respected Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt practitioner and instructor.
Those who are lucky enough to call him friend also know that he is calm and kind, hard-working, smart and thoughtful, reliable and at times painfully hilarious.
He is also someone who could really use our help right now.
Some of you may know that about a month ago, Eric broke his ankle in a BJJ match. What you may not know is that because Eric's break was severe and his treatment delayed, he required surgery and the use of a plate and screws to repair the damage.
Eric does not have the type of job that offers insurance coverage. He works as a skilled carpenter and BJJ instructor. As many others have discovered, there are large gaps in the Affordable Care Act that leave self-employed people with high-premium polices that also have very high deductibles. So high, in fact, that the costs of Eric's surgery and recovery would have been as much whether he were insured or not.
Eric's art on Mt. Hope Avenue in Rochester, NY
It is worth noting that Eric was turned away from two emergency rooms and several orthopedic surgeons who required him to be an established patient before giving care, and that this delay in treatment likely contributed to the severity of his injury.
According to bankrate.com, 60% of bankruptcies are due to medical bills. The cost of Eric's surgery is financially devastating, as is the loss of his carpentry income, as Eric will be unable to work for the next two to three months as he heals.
I would like to ask those of you who love Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and those of you who love Eric and Allison to help us harness the incredible power of crowdfunding. If all of us give just a few dollars we can help these great people get through this difficult time and get Eric back on the mats where he belongs.
Eric and his wife Allison are conscientious global citizens who extend themselves to others in need as a matter of habit. It's time for us to lend a hand to them as they have done for so many others. The monetary goal in this gofund me campaign is approximately one half the cost of Eric's surgery, rehab, and lost income. They are paying the rest out of pocket. Let's help Eric get back on his feet. Remember, every bit helps, no matter how small, and spreading the word helps, too, so please share the campaign.
Thank you so much for your help!
