Help Eugene Get Back on His Feet

Backstory.

My uncle Eugene is a devoted community member on his home island of St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands. He has dedicated most of his adult life to being of service and helping those around him. Since I was a little, I can’t remember a time when my uncle wasn’t running-off morning, noon and night to help someone with horse training, tae kwon do, as their cycling coach and so on. He has always been the kind of man who will be there if someone needs a helping hand. He did that for over 20 years active duty, as a decorated Lieutenant with the St. Croix Rescue Squad (A volunteer group that aids in all rescue efforts on STX). This black belt in Tae Kwon Do even finds the time to teach martial arts pro bono to children in the neighborhood.

Injury.

After surviving powerful category 5 hurricane Maria, Eugene returned to the shell of his home. The structure still stands but without the security of a roof, all contents within have been irreparably damaged. Despite his misfortune Eugene still went where he was needed. As he was helping repair his local church, this past weekend, he fell from scaffolding, 15 feet. Luckily he survived the fall, but has unfortunately shattered his left knee and also shattered the heel into 32 pieces on his right foot.

Recovery.

Eugene will need at least two surgeries that cannot be safely performed on St. Croix. The island struggles to re-establish power after the Maria have left it extremely damaged. Our family is desperately trying to get him to the mainland for the surgeries as none of his close family lives on St. Croix, but he is without health coverage. To airlift him off the island alone will cost $24,000. Then Eugene will still have a long road to walk with rehabilitation and therapy needed for the foreseeable future.

Time is not on his side.

Without surgery, Eugene’s at risk for infection and further complications. To add insult to injury, as he focuses on his recovery, he will be unable to walk. And, being self employed also means Eugene would be unable to work. Taking the necessary time needed to rest and recuperate means he risks a financial loss both now and for the future, as he could lose clients while he is on the mend.

Here’s How You Can Help!

Please help us help someone that has given so much to so many...Please give what you can. Share his story to as many as you can. Help us reach our goal of $60,000. This will help Eugene get to proper medical facilities for the needed surgeries and help him back onto his feet to walk the long road to recovery.

Thanks in advance!

11/2017 Update: Eugene has completed the needed surgeries successfully!  He is currently awaiting rehabilitation and is allowing his wounds to heal.  We appreciate all of your kind words, thoughts, calls, inquiries and gifts! Please don't give up now, this is just the beginning stages. Pray, give, share! God Bless you all!