Help Columbine Survivor Richard Castaldo
Donation protected
Richard Castaldo was shot 8 times in the Columbine massacre in 1999. 1 of the bullets lodged in his spine, paralyzing him. "Never forget" was the motto in the wake of that massacre, and though we remember the shooting, most of the survivors have been forgotten.
Richard moved to Los Angeles over a decade ago to start a new life. But due to a series of long hospitalizations and setbacks, Richard lost his apartment and became severely ill, landing him in the hospital last September, and later in a nursing home, where he has been for 6 months. Though he has healed, the nursing home can't release him until he has a home. A six month hospitalization can really put you behind on bills. His van registration has expired and the fines are adding up. His wheelchair is broken and unusable. He has no home.
Richard is a creative guy who enjoys music and writing, has tried his hand at stand-up comedy, and studied sound engineering at SAE. Our goal is to raise enough money to get Richard back to the independence he once enjoyed.
Read Richard's story in the LA Times
**These funds will go directly into a trust fund for Richard which is currently being managed by his Attorney. In the near future management of the fund will be transferred to a Private Professional Fiduciary licensed by the State of California. All funds will be distributed for Richard's benefit and only for Richard's benefit.
Funds will be used to get him an apartment, a new wheelchair, and the medical necessities he needs.
We are trying to buy Richard a standing wheelchair, which would take pressure off the pressure wounds he has suffered with. The wheelchairs can cost approximately $15,000. Average rent for an apartment in Los Angeles is approximately $2500 a month, but Richard is applying for housing assistance.
Richard moved to Los Angeles over a decade ago to start a new life. But due to a series of long hospitalizations and setbacks, Richard lost his apartment and became severely ill, landing him in the hospital last September, and later in a nursing home, where he has been for 6 months. Though he has healed, the nursing home can't release him until he has a home. A six month hospitalization can really put you behind on bills. His van registration has expired and the fines are adding up. His wheelchair is broken and unusable. He has no home.
Richard is a creative guy who enjoys music and writing, has tried his hand at stand-up comedy, and studied sound engineering at SAE. Our goal is to raise enough money to get Richard back to the independence he once enjoyed.
Read Richard's story in the LA Times
**These funds will go directly into a trust fund for Richard which is currently being managed by his Attorney. In the near future management of the fund will be transferred to a Private Professional Fiduciary licensed by the State of California. All funds will be distributed for Richard's benefit and only for Richard's benefit.
Funds will be used to get him an apartment, a new wheelchair, and the medical necessities he needs.
We are trying to buy Richard a standing wheelchair, which would take pressure off the pressure wounds he has suffered with. The wheelchairs can cost approximately $15,000. Average rent for an apartment in Los Angeles is approximately $2500 a month, but Richard is applying for housing assistance.
Fundraising team (3)
Stuart Zimring
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
Hollye Dexter
Team member
Deborah Gitell
Team member
