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Help Ricky in his recovery from spinal injury

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They say God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers. And Ricky Kaufmann certainly fits that depiction of vigor.
 
Just ask those closest to him. As one friend put it, “Ricky gives 100% effort with everything and everyone he cares about.” Whether that’s cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers or supporting a friend, you knew you could rely on Ricky bringing maximum energy. It’s a trait that’s helped him build lifelong connections, become one of the best rowers Marquette has ever seen and find his dream job at Milwaukee Tool.
 
Right now, Ricky needs all the strength he’s got. He was severely injured at the start of December in an accident down in Florida, and while we all believe he has what it takes to get through, he’s likely going to need some help.
 
Ricky was down in Clearwater, Florida, vacationing with friends when the accident occurred. He dove off a pier, looking to get in a quick swim at sunset before going to dinner, but was unaware of the shallow depth of the water. Friends jumped in to get him out of the ocean and bystanders helped provide resuscitation efforts. Ricky was rushed to the local hospital before being transferred to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa.
Ricky suffered a spinal cord injury and was deprived of oxygen to the brain. He is currently in the ICU, resting while receiving care from the hospital staff. The road ahead will be long and challenging, but if anyone can get through it, it is Ricky.
 
“There is no stronger, more determined kid,” Ricky’s mother, Barb, said. “He is well prepared to fight this battle. We are praying like crazy.”
 
While we are not yet sure what Ricky’s needs will be, it is clear there is a long journey ahead. His family greatly appreciates all the support and prayers. They are gratefully in a place where they can stay near the hospital to be with Ricky every day.

I'm Jack Goods, Ricky's friend and roommate. We wanted to set up a GoFundMe for him to make sure he gets all the care he needs going forward. Any funds that exceed Ricky's needs will be paid forward.
 
Everyone is looking forward to the day where Ricky can be a part of our lives again. Friends shared their favorite things about him:
 
• “Rick is the life of the party. He will probably be the loudest and will certainly be the most entertaining. Who else takes their shoes and socks off at a wedding and gets away with it? He is the greatest friend you can ask for and is the type of gentleman who always walks on the outside of the street no matter what.”
 
• “With zero acclimation to Colorado’s elevation or the challenging hiking scene, Ricky reached Shelf Lake which sits at just over 12,000 feet after we came up from Denver at 5,280. He hiked it all with ease, all while wearing a pair of basketball shorts, gym shoes and a proud Milwaukee Tool jacket. That hike exemplified how stubborn he can be, but also proved how much he has always battled through it all and done so much with a smile, jokes and care.”
 
• “He will ALWAYS have your back.”
 
• “He is always a blast to be around and loves his family and friends with all his heart.”
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Donations 

  • Gloriane DeJure
    • $500 
    • 4 mos
  • Anonymous
    • $300 
    • 1 yr
  • Ruth Hyser
    • $500 
    • 1 yr
  • Anonymous
    • $50 
    • 1 yr
  • Jeffrey Barnes
    • $750 
    • 1 yr
Donate

Organizer and beneficiary

Jack Goods
Organizer
Milwaukee, WI
Rick Kaufmann
Beneficiary

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