Help Anthony Payero Rebuild After Tragedy

**Support for Anthony Payero: Help Us Rebuild His Life After Tragedy**

This is being set up by Niurka Payero-Velez, Anthony’s aunt.

Anthony Payero, a 30-year-old lifelong resident of Springfield, has always been a pillar of support for his family, especially helping to care for his 80-year-old grandmother. On the evening of September 17th, tragedy struck when Anthony was hit by a stray bullet while walking to his car. The injury has left him permanently paralyzed, turning his life and his family’s world upside down.

Anthony is loved by all who know him. He’s known for his kindness, loyalty, and constant desire to help others. As a co-owner of Susie’s Convenience Store and Fé Barbershop in Indian Orchard, Anthony has been an active and positive force in his community.

Now, Anthony faces a long road to recovery, with extensive rehabilitation required outside of the area. He is unable to work and will need significant support to adapt to his new reality. We are raising funds to help cover:

- **Home Modifications:** Anthony will need his living space modified to be wheelchair accessible.

- **Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle:** To ensure he can attend necessary medical appointments and rehabilitation.

- **Medical Equipment:** Some essential equipment for his care is not covered by insurance, and we want to ease the burden on his family.

- **Lost Wages:** To assist Anthony is paying household bills as he is unable to work

Anthony has always been there for others, and now it’s our turn to be there for him. Any contribution, big or small, will help make this difficult journey a little easier for Anthony and his family. Thank you for your support!

***UPDATE 10/12/24***

Anthony started his recovery in rehabilitation almost 2 weeks ago. The rehabilitation center is a bit of a drive from home, so it makes it difficult to have family and friends visit regularly. He has unfortunately developed pressure sores on both heels. These need to be closely monitored to prevent them from getting worse. He has worsening back pains which has been impeding progress with physical therapy. He was sent out for imaging to determine the cause of this worsening pain. He has also developed fevers which he is being closely monitored for to determine the cause.

Some of you have asked where Anthony will be discharged to. Anthony will be living with me once he has completed rehabilitation. I’m in the process of making my home accessible for him.

Thank you for your continued prayers and generous support. We appreciate all the calls and text messages. I also want to thank the SPD detective working on this case and always keeping me up to date on the investigation.